Lot 965

Description

Bronze, solid-hilted sword of Mörigen type from the late Urnfield Period, phase Hallstatt B3, 9th century B.C. Blade with central camber, edged by slender ribs on the side. On the outside, the approx. 5 mm bevelled cutting edges. Maximum blade width at the centre of the blade, tapering continuously towards the front, slightly constricted towards the top and extending again towards the grip. The grip plate and grip hinge surrounded by a grip of three ribs, connected by rivets on two side frames and in the middle of the grip. Biconical grip with three horizontal ribs, the central one running around the thickest part. The grip extending at the bottom into two frames flaring outwards with a U-shaped disc pommel extending between them and curving into a saddle shape at the top, the pommel oval when viewed from above. Appliqués in sheet gold on the smooth parts of the grip. According to XRF analysis, the appliqués are made of fine gold and therefore modern, possibly mounted over the remnants of an antique gold appliqué. Moreover, according to XRF analysis, the alloy of the bronze sword is typical for the period and not inconsistent with ancient production methods. Minimal notches on the cutting edges and slight traces of corrosion on the surface of the blade. Otherwise, the late Urnfield Culture sword in excellent condition, the gold appliqués of later date. Length 70.7 cm. CULTURAL ASSET!

Provenance: North German private collection, acquired in 2004 from a North German art dealer, who previously acquired the sword from the estate of a Hamburg art dealer.

Condition: II - Questions about the lot?