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Details

LOT 1489

Western Asiatic Bronze Blade

3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.

10 in. (133 grams, 25.2 cm).

Two-edged leaf-shaped dagger blade with flat rectangular tang, flared at the shoulders.

Provenance

Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

Literature

See Maxwell-Hyslop, R., 'Daggers and swords in Western Asia: a Study from Prehistoric Times to 600BC,' in Iraq, Volume 8, 1946, pp.1-65, pl.I, type 1.

Footnotes

This was one of the earliest forms of Western Asiatic daggers, but until the blade was strengthened by thickening or by having a midrib at the centre, and rivets were introduced, it must have often buckled up on impact. However, when compared to the earliest Egyptian types with its short triangular blade, this Asiatic dagger is longer, narrower, and probably more useful as an offensive weapon.

CONDITION

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LOT 1489

Western Asiatic Bronze Blade

Sold for (Inc. bp): £286

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