A rare Egyptian Copper Dagger<br><em>Middle Kingdom, 9th - 11th Dynasty, ca. 2160 - 2030 BCE</em>
A rare Egyptian Copper Dagger<br><em>Middle Kingdom, 9th - 11th Dynasty, ca. 2160 - 2030 BCE</em>
A rare Egyptian Copper Dagger<br><em>Middle Kingdom, 9th - 11th Dynasty, ca. 2160 - 2030 BCE</em>

A rare Egyptian Copper Dagger
Middle Kingdom, 9th - 11th Dynasty, ca. 2160 - 2030 BCE

EX2203

Regular price25,000 USD
/
  • This object qualifies for free and fast worldwide shipping.

A rare, handsome weapon, the tapering double-edged copper blade with raised midrib and high shoulders.  Carved from wood, the short, wide handle is fastened to the broad top of the blade and shaped to fit comfortably into the palm of the hand.  It is decorated with a linear pattern of alternating vertical striations of gold and blue around the circumference.

Background:  In the early Dynastic Period dagger blades changed from flint to copper, and in the New Kingdom from copper to bronze.   For hand-to-hand fighting and dispatching a wounded enemy, Egyptian soldiers of the Middle Kingdom were equipped with a club or light axe and frequently a dagger that freely hung from the front of their belt.  Daggers are usually freely hung from belts, although burial sites have found some sheaths.

Reference: Mark, Joshua J. "Weapons in Ancient Egypt." Ancient History Encyclopedia. http://www.ancient.eu/article/1035/.

Hayes, William C. The Scepter of Egypt: Part I. Hary N. Abrams, Inc (1953), 283-284.

Dimensions: Length: 10 5/8 inches (27 cm)

Condition: Intact and in good condition overall with mineral deposits to the blade and handle, and loss to the polychrome.  The blade has been analyzed for content and tests at 97% copper.  A copy of the report will be provided with the object.

Provenance: Ex. private collection of C. Spies, Cologne, Germany, acquired between 1960-1970, thereafter private Californian collection. Early collection number: 389-2055 in white ink marked below the handle.

Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.

Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.

We ship Tuesday to Friday with FedEx and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Within the continental USA, packing, shipping and insurance is free. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.

If we are shipping this object to you overseas, there is no charge for packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.

We send overseas shipments with FedEx International Priority which usually means two to three day delivery to Europe and the UK, customs willing but contact us if you have a shipping preference. 

Please note: International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes. 

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.