HITTITE BRONZE SHORT SWORD WITH LUNATE POMMEL

Ca. 1600 - 1400 BC. A cast bronze short sword with a long, narrow, double-edged blade tapering gradually to a pointed tip. A pronounced axial midrib extends from the shoulders for almost the entire length of the blade. The compact cylindrical grip is articulated by a moulded collar and terminates in a broad lunate pommel with strongly recurved arms. The integration of blade, grip, and distinctive pommel belongs to an Anatolian weapon tradition current during the Middle and early Late Bronze Age. The surface displays green patination, reddish-brown oxidation, and mineral accretions. For similar see: E. H. Cline, Assuwa and the Achaeans: the ‘Mycenaean’ sword at Hattusas and its possible implications, fig. 6. Size: 310mm x 90mm; Weight: 295g Provenance: From a private London collection; ex. Van Roozendaal collection, the Netherlands, acquired in 1980s. UK art gallery, 2000s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

Estimate:£1,000

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