Hittite Bronze Short Sword

Hittite-Type Bronze Short Sword – Elite Weapon of the Late Bronze Age (c. 1400–1100 BC)

Length: 44 cm – Exceptional preservation – Rare hollow-pommel variant



DESCRIPTION

A superb and exceptionally well-preserved bronze short sword belonging to the Syro-Anatolian / Hittite cultural horizon of the Late Bronze Age.
Cast entirely in one piece, the weapon displays the refined workmanship associated with high-status arms of the Hittite Empire and its neighbouring states during the 15th–12th centuries BC.

The sword features a deeply hollow, flaring trumpet-shaped pommel, a highly distinctive trait documented among ceremonial and elite weapons of northern Syria and central Anatolia. The long, slender waisted grip and the precise triangular transition between hilt and blade belong to a typological class rarely preserved with such integrity.

The blade itself is elegant and perfectly proportioned, with a prominent central midrib extending almost the full length—an engineering solution providing both rigidity and aesthetic refinement. At 44 cm, this example exceeds the typical dagger format and belongs to the prestigious class of early Near Eastern short swords.

The surface bears a rich green mineralised patina, uniform and stable, with only minor ancient losses at the hilt that attest to the authenticity of the casting. No modern restoration or enhancement is present.

Weapons of this quality and type were associated with the military and ceremonial elite of the Late Bronze Age Near East—likely carried by high-ranking individuals, commanders, or used in diplomatic or ritual contexts within the Hittite sphere and the Syro-Anatolian city-states.


CULTURE / REGION
Syro-Anatolian / Hittite-type, Late Bronze Age



DATE
c. 1400–1100 BC


MATERIAL
Bronze (cast in one piece)


DIMENSIONS
Length: 44 cm


CONDITION
Excellent for the type.
Sword complete, blade intact with sharp symmetrical point.
Minor ancient losses at hilt.
Stable and attractive patina.
No modern repairs.

From the collection of Paul SADARGUE, surveyor for the Régie du cadastre des États de Syrie et du Liban (1924–1942).
Thence by descent in a French private collection.


NOTES
Short swords with hollow flaring pommels and integral cast hilts are among the rarest and most sought-after weapon types of the Late Bronze Age Near East. Closely comparable examples are preserved in major museums holding Hittite and Syro-Anatolian material.
Pieces of this class seldom appear on the market, especially in such complete and elegant condition.