Description:

South Asia, Northern India, Uttar Pradesh, Copper Hoard culture, ca. 2000 1500 BCE. A pair of copper weapon blades: a massive spear, and a short sword- note the length and size of the spear compared to the slender sword! The sword has a flat midrib, flanged blade, rounded shoulders, and a broad tang that was probably covered with wood, bone, or other long-lost material. The spear is hefty, with a thick midrib running from the tip to the shoulders, with spikes protruding from the tang for hafting to a pole. It is unknown whether these were for combat or ceremonial purposes. The so-called Copper Hoard Culture is a collection of ancient archaeological finds from India: large quantities of copper objects buried in hoards around the first half of the 2 millennium BCE. These copper and sometimes bronze and pottery objects are associated with complex socio-economic systems and advanced metallurgical skills, but the purpose behind the deliberate burial of these artifacts remains a subject of scholarly debate. Size of spear: 15.25" L x 2.25" W (38.7 cm x 5.7 cm)

Provenance: private Everett, Massachusetts, USA collection, purchased from TimeLine Auctions, UK, February 22, 2018; ex-West London gentleman collection, London, UK, previously in an important weapons collection formed in the 1980s and early 1990s

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.

#183270

  • Condition: Chips and abrasions to both. Sword was polished in recent times with abrasions and wear in areas. Green patina and mineral deposits on the surfaces of both.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

January 5, 2024 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% 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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000