Description:

Urartu culture, modern day Iran/Armenia, ca. 850 to 590 BCE. Heavy bronze dagger with nearly triangular blade, inserted into wide rounded hilt, with an incredible pommel at the end. The hilt of this sword is one of the most interesting to have passed across my desk. The thin part would have been wrapped with perishable material when it was in use, further highlighting the delicate bronzework of the pommel. Urartu (also known as the Kingdom of Ararat or the Kingdom of Van), had such skill with bronze work that the Assyrians would take their finished metal objects whenever they could, through trade, warfare, or plunder. For example, Assyrian king Sargon II listed 305,000 bronze daggers as the plunder from a successful campaign in Urartu. Size: 12.8" L x 2.2" W (32.5 cm x 5.6 cm).

Provenance: Ex-Estate of John Piscopo. Mr. Piscopo was one of the largest collectors of ancient weapons in the US with a collection that spanned all cultures, all ages.

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#112347

  • Condition: Very light patina; the blade has been broken and repaired.

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February 16, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$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