**Originally Listed At $600**

Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A cast bronze sword blade with a lovely green and russet patina. The blade tapers to a tip with a prominent midrib running down the center. A guard and hilt would have attached to the tang, and these were sometimes inlaid with wood or ivory. Weapons were invaluable possessions and a necessary form of protection for the semi-nomadic Luristan people. Swords eventually became symbols of elite status as they became more ornate. Carrying a fine sword indicated wealth or status as an elite warrior. One can imagine that anyone who even saw such a sword might think twice before inciting any unnecessary violence. Size: 21.75" L x 1.5" W (55.2 cm x 3.8 cm)

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

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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#160087

Losses to blade as shown. Surface wear, nicks and chips commensurate with age. Nice patina!