5th C. Celtic La Tene Forged Iron Sword

Ancient Central / Northern Europe, Celtic Iron Age, La Tene culture, ca. 5th to 1st century BCE. A stunning forged-iron sword with an elongated blade bearing sharpened edges, a pair of parallel grooves coursing along the length of both sides, and a lightly-pointed tip. The tapering shoulder boasts a pair of indented grooves along each side, with a crescent-shaped hand guard situated above the shoulder, and a slender tang that terminates in a rounded bulb. A thick handle made from wood, stone, or bone would have wrapped around the tang and made the weapon easier to wield. Fine layers of oxidized patina envelop the composition and make it an attractive example of ancient European armaments! Size: 1.875" W x 39.4" H (4.8 cm x 100.1 cm); 40.25" H (102.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-private York, England, United Kingdom collection

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#145924
Condition Report: Slight bending to overall form of hand guard and blade, small chips to blade edges, guard, shoulders, and tang, with extensive encrustations and oxidation commensurate with age as expected, otherwise intact and excellent. Nice earthen deposits and oxidized patina throughout.