Ancient Central Europe, Danube River Basin, Hallstatt culture, Late Bronze Age, ca. 1400 to 1100 BCE. A rare and finely preserved sword forged from bronze with ribbed handle beneath a discoidal pommel. The lengthy blade is of a double-edged design, characteristic of battle-ready Hallstatt weaponry, with a central midrib. The grip features two downward pointed guards and a slightly raised nodule at the center of the hilt to enhance the grip of its owner. The blade and hilt are decorated with incised curvilinear motifs, and a rich green patina covers most of the blade. A wonderful example of ancient weaponry that was ideal for swinging or thrusting attacks! Size: 19.5" L x 1.375" W (49.5 cm x 3.5 cm)

Hallstatt culture developed from the earlier Urnfield culture, and would progress into the later La Tene culture, which is often called Celtic. However, these names and classifications have been imposed upon ancient peoples by archaeologists and historians (Hallstatt, for example, takes its name from the type site, which is in Austria southeast of Salzburg). Roughly 2700 years ago, these people lived in small groups, probably loosely confederated for trading purposes but engaging in frequent warfare. Elites controlled powerful hillforts and revered the horse, traveling by and perhaps warring with chariots. Swords like these were among the numerous means by which elites could showcase and flaunt their wealth and status. High-quality swords were often placed in rivers, interred in the ground, or even broken in ritualistic contexts to garner favor from the gods. Unbroken examples like this are incredibly rare.

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000; ex-Andy Garcia collection

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#162754

Nicks and chips to peripheries. Handle and lower part of blade have been cleaned with additional polishing on blade tip and midrib. Areas of the blade present with a nice patina.