An Ancient Luristan / Near Eastern Bronze Dagger Blade with Central Ridge (c. 2nd-1st Millennium
An exceptional and formidable ancient cast bronze dagger blade (or short sword), dating roughly to the late 2nd to early 1st Millennium BCE, culturally consistent with the Near Eastern / Luristan bronze-casting tradition. The weapon features an elongated, elegant leaf-shaped blade tapering symmetrically to a sharp, reinforced point. A prominent, raised central ridge (spine) runs along the longitudinal axis on both faces to provide optimal structural rigidity during combat. The base terminates in a short, integral flat tang pierced with a single circular rivet hole, an archaic method used to secure the blade into a bone, wood, or horn hilt. The surface profile is clad in a spectacular, textbook archaeological patina, transitioning from smooth chocolate-brown cuprite under-layers to vibrant, thick crusts of mineralized malachite green . Length: 11 in. . Provenance: Collection from Professor of University of Chicago in IL USA .
Condition
Excellent archaic condition. The porous siltstone maintains its characteristic dry, tactilely absorptive quality and natural ancient patina. The incised grooves show naturally rounded edges under magnification, confirming an absence of modern mechanical recutting. Scattered ancient minor stone flakes are fully patinated over. No modern restorations.
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An exceptional and formidable ancient cast bronze dagger blade (or short sword), dating roughly to the late 2nd to early 1st Millennium BCE, culturally consistent with the Near Eastern / Luristan bronze-casting tradition. The weapon features an elongated, elegant leaf-shaped blade tapering symmetrically to a sharp, reinforced point. A prominent, raised central ridge (spine) runs along the longitudinal axis on both faces to provide optimal structural rigidity during combat. The base terminates in a short, integral flat tang pierced with a single circular rivet hole, an archaic method used to secure the blade into a bone, wood, or horn hilt. The surface profile is clad in a spectacular, textbook archaeological patina, transitioning from smooth chocolate-brown cuprite under-layers to vibrant, thick crusts of mineralized malachite green . Length: 11 in. . Provenance: Collection from Professor of University of Chicago in IL USA .
Condition
Excellent archaic condition. The porous siltstone maintains its characteristic dry, tactilely absorptive quality and natural ancient patina. The incised grooves show naturally rounded edges under magnification, confirming an absence of modern mechanical recutting. Scattered ancient minor stone flakes are fully patinated over. No modern restorations.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
