Bronze Age Votive Sword Hilt and Upper Blade Section with 'Shooting Star' Decoration

1150-950 B.C.

9 3/8 in. (358 grams, 23.8 cm).

With a broad median rib and flared shoulder, grip with flange to each edge, five perforations for attachment of the organic components, engraved with a motif resembling a shooting star or comet.

Provenance

Possibly from the collection of relative Scott Langshaw Burdett (1896-1961), who served in the Great War as a Lieutenant in the Royal Sussex Regiment, was awarded the Military Cross, and later became Consul-General in Hong Kong.
From an old Sussex family collection since at least 1946, thence by descent 2011.

Literature

Cf. The British Museum, London, reference no.1898,0712.19, for a similar undecorated example ritually broken in the same place.

CONDITION

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LOT 0275