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Large North-Western Persian Bronze Sword Blade Large North-Western Persian Bronze Sword Blade Large North-Western Persian Bronze Sword Blade
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Details

LOT 1420

Large North-Western Persian Bronze Sword Blade

11H-7TH CENTURY B.C.

17 1/4 in. (385 grams, 44 cm).

With prominently curved guard extending out from the ricasso partly framing the hilt, thick midrib extending slightly above the ricasso.

Provenance

Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.

Literature

See Muscarella, O.W., Bronze and Iron Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, pp.99-100, for similar.

Footnotes

The hilt of such swords was made separately and unfortunately is nearly always missing from the archaeological records. Similar daggers had a northern Iranian background and excavated examples have been recorded from the South Caspian area from Tomadjan and Ghalekuti. Their chronology ranges from the late 2nd millennium B.C. to the 7th century B.C.

CONDITION
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Live Bidding

LOT 1420

Large North-Western Persian Bronze Sword Blade

Estimate £180 - 240€210 - 280 (for guidance only)$240 - 320 (for guidance only)

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