Ancient Northern / Central Europe, Celtic Iron Age, La Tene culture, ca. 3rd to 1st century BCE. A gorgeous and rare example of a short sword or dagger from the ancient La Tene culture replete with incredibly smooth, dark brown patina. The formidable weapon exhibits a lengthy, tapered blade of triangular form with a single sharpened edge opposite a thick spine that carries down all the way to the pointed tip. The shoulder expands to form a thick handle with which a warrior could swing the blade, with a thick ringlet protruding around the midsection, and an integral ring loop on the verso. The ring loop was perhaps used in place of a sword sheath by suspending the weapon from one's belt via a textile or leather strap. Size: 14" L x 2.3" W (35.6 cm x 5.8 cm)

The Celtic world spanned most of Europe, from Spain to Britain, and as a result there was a great deal of variation in their material culture. Weapons like this one have a great deal of individual variation, perhaps reflecting the preferences of the person commissioning them. This is in strong contrast to the more mass-produced, standardized Roman swords. Though the La Tene culture clashed continuously with the expanding Roman Republic, we know that the Romans admired the Celtic iron weaponry, especially that of the Celto-Iberians. In fact, the name of the culture comes from La Tene, Switzerland, where archaeologists uncovered a large cache of weapons in Lake Neuchatel ("La Tene" translates to "The Shallows"). La Tene warfare utilized chariots, ring armor, deadly spears, and strong iron blades like this example.

Provenance: ex-Provos collection, Bremen, Germany, acquired prior to 1990

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#170013

Small area of repair along back half of blade edge with light adhesive residue along break lines. Some surfaces are likely professionally polished. Bending to overall form of blade and handle, with light encrustations on some surfaces, oxidation to most surfaces, and dulling to blade edge. Great patina with lustrous surfaces throughout.