Ancient Near East, Northwestern Iran and Southeastern Turkey, Luristan culture, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A cast-bronze dagger with an openwork handle that bore decorative inlaid panels at one time. The flanges on the handle would have been bent slightly inward to contain the inlays as can be observed on this example. The slender blade features a raised midrib, sharpened edges, and a pointed tip, and the entire weapon is enveloped with thick layers of brown, green, and russet patina formed throughout the centuries. Size: 13.25" L x 1.25" W (33.7 cm x 3.2 cm); (blade): 8.5" L (21.6 cm)

Provenance: private Coral Gables, Florida, USA collection

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#172444

Professional cleaning to small areas of lower midrib and handle periphery. Original handle inlays missing. Slight bending to overall form of blade and handle flanges, with nicks, abrasions, and encrustations commensurate with age, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina throughout. Modern black writing on blade shoulder and handle.