£23,750
Auction: 8 June 2022 at 14:00 BST
long blade gently broadening below the tip and with medial ridge the hilt with arched guard riveted to the blade and decorated with a series of concentric circles, a concave disc pommel enclosing knob terminal, adorned with elaborate chased linear decoration of waves and dots, rich green patina
Provenance:
Private collection, United Kingdom, acquired 1990s.
Note:
This stunning sword dates to the Late Bronze Age, an era in which bronze working technology was refined to its peak. It was in this period that multiple piece moulds and lost wax casting was introduced - techniques evidenced in the present example. The skill of the smith who produced this magnificent weapon is fully in evidence, an item of warfare and prestige, it is undoubtedly also a work of art.