**Originally Listed At $1200**

Western Asia and Siberia (found in Germany), Scythian culture, ca. 6th century BCE. A fascinating cast bronze sword chape, the tip of a sheath, its surface decorated with an elaborately cast motif that gives it the appearance of interwoven fabric. Although it is made of bronze, its deposition in the earth resulted in it gaining a matte silver-colored patina. The intricate casting of this piece demonstrates the skill of Scythian metalworkers, who are famous for their craft, and rightly so; hoards of their treasures have been found throughout eastern and central Europe and western and central Asia. These hoards may represent gifts that were made to foreign rulers, votive offerings, or treasures buried and forgotten. Size: 3" W x 1" H (7.6 cm x 2.5 cm)

Provenance: private Tennessee, USA collection; ex-Timeline Auctions; ex-European collection; ex-large American collection formed in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1995; previously in the Mansees collection; formed 1950s-early 1990s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#150408

Slight bending to form, with well preserved motifs. Fascinating silvery patina.