Larry: A Luristan Double Bell Pommel Bronze Sword, ca. 1000 - 800 BCE
MX2101a
- This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $60 if shipping internationally.
Special purchase for Larry: This large Luristan bronze sword is an excellent example of the double bell-formed pommel style. The plain grip and elliptical open guard with squared shoulders secure the blade firmly in position around the shoulders and on the blade. Prominent blood channels follow the length of the narrow blade that tapers regularly with almost straight cutting edges to a point. According to Muscarella, laboratory examinations have demonstrated that each sword and its added units were hand-forged and not cast as one piece, although molds were probably used as forms for the details (Moorey 1971a, 318). That each sword was individually handcrafted is indicated by the fact that although all the attributes are very close in appearance and conform to a single design, no two seem to be alike in all details, in blade and hilt sizes and shapes, in weight, or in the sizes and proportions of the component units (Spence and Needler 1955, 15; Maryon et al. 1961, 175, 182; Damien 1962, 25ff.; Lefferts 1964, 59f.; Ternbach 1964, 47ff. ; France-Lanord 1969, 78, 82).
It is the austere perfection of line and proportion that makes this weapon so beautiful and so terrible. For related examples cf: Moorey, P.R.S. "Catalogue of Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum", #58 & 59 and Muscarella, O. "Bronze and Iron, Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art", item #166 and Mahoubian "Art of Ancient Iran" (1999) item #394.
Condition: Intact and in very good condition, a well-balanced weapon. Presented on a museum-quality custom stand.
Dimensions: Length: 25 inches (63.5 cm)
Provenance: ex Axel Guttmann Collection, Germany, thereafter private Virginia collection.
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.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.
For overseas shipments we charge a small flat rate which includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements. Overseas shipments are sent using either USPS Priority Mail or FedEx but contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes.
