**First Time At Auction**

Ancient Near East, Northwestern Iran and Southeastern Turkey, Luristan culture, Early Bronze Age, ca. 2500 to 2000 BCE. Perhaps one of the earliest dagger variants from the Luristan culture, a rare cast-bronze blade of petaloid form attached above slightly downturned quillons. Integral with the weapon is a lozenge-shaped handle bearing dozens of raised nodules that enabled the warrior to maintain a better grip on the dagger. Pairs of slender striations are incised along the shallow midrib to give the blade a personalized presentation, and the entire armament is enveloped in lustrous layers of brown and green patina. Size: 8.125" L x 2.125" W (20.6 cm x 5.4 cm)

Cf. The British Museum, museum number 128761.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#140508

Minor abrasions and earthen deposits, with softening to some nodules on handle and some midrib striations, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful patina throughout.