Description:

Ancient Western Europe, Celtic-Roman border region, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A stunning forged-carbon-steel dagger blade of an elegant presentation. The blade is defined by an elongated crescent-shaped blade, a thick spine, an acutely-angled blade edge, and a butt end which gently tapers to a lengthy triangular tang with two small attachment holes. Along one side of the blade are several bronze inlays of semicircular, triangular, and curvilinear forms that project outward from a central X-shaped recess. Groups of three triangular inlays alternate between semicircular forms, and above the tang is a highly-abstract anthropomorphic depiction of a warrior with a ball-shaped head and bent legs. A fabulous and rare example from ancient Europe! Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 1.7" W x 17.75" H (4.3 cm x 45.1 cm); 18.6" H (47.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Frances Artuner collection, Belgium, acquired in the 1960s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#143759

  • Condition: Blade and tang covered in dark-brown stabilization material for preservation. Small nicks to blade edge, pitting holes on blade and tang, with losses to some bronze inlays, and light abrasions. Light earthen deposits and nice patina throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 21, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000