European Bronze Age Boss

Leaf-shaped with short rectangular tang, corrugated midrib with five grooves extending almost to the tip and flared at the rounded shoulders. 347 grams, 47.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The metalworking techniques used in making bronze weapons in early Iran were very complex. Surfaces were often finished in repoussé work, and some of the weapons were chased, others engraved. The function of the ridges here was not only decorative, but principally to reduce suction and thus allow the blade to be withdrawn speedily. The ruling elites of warrior horsemen were buried in the graves with their weapons and horses.

Exhibiting a range of petronel types, including example with ring-and-dot detailing. 106 grams total, 4.8-12 cm



Found Essex, UK.

With long tapered blade, rounded shoulders and broad flattened mid-rib, tapered square sectioned tang pierced at the tip. 298 grams total, 29.2 cm high including stand



Dr. T.J. Arne, Sweden, 1934. Private collection, Sweden, late 1930s. with Stockholm Auktionsverk, Stockholm, Sweden, 9 June 2014, lot 2613.

This tanged bronze blade from Luristan belongs to a category of Luristan swords still in use in the Achaemenid Period, as proved from a blade with a perished handle (probably bone or wood) of the same type, in the National Museum of Iran (2694/15633). Examples without inscriptions like our model have been classified by Grotkamp-Schepers in the Solingen Museum as pieces from Luristan.