This is a bronze dagger from the Bactrian culture dating to roughly 2000-2500 BC. It is a fine, intact example of ancient bronze weaponry. It measures 173 mm in length and weighs 57 grams. The metal is solid and stable with an "as found" patina. This is a quality weapon at a reasonable price.

Lovely bronze battle axe, Ancient Near East, early 2nd. millenium BC.

Finely made battle axe with a long enforced and narrow blade with a ridge at the top and an elaborately made socket in a zoomorphic shape with a broad decorated backplate.

Size: 114 mm. long and 67 mm. tall.

Condition: Very fine, intact with a rough uncleaned encrusted green patina over beautiful brown and red surfaces. Can be cleaned.

Ex...

A large Zoomorphic style bronze plaque with a loop for attachment on the back, Scythian c. 700-400 BC.

Very attractive the a beast on top of a large spiral; in bronze alloy with some silver content.

Size: 55 mm. tall and 51 mm. wide.

Condition: Nice VF, intact with a black patina.

Ex. Hafnia Coins, ancient coin dealer in Copenhagen, inventory from c. 1990s.

An interesting lot of 4 bronze stamp seals with geomethric bases, Mesopotamia, BMAC and later, 3rd.-1st. mill. BC.

Comes with Gustav Oberländers Identification cards and from his collection.

Size: Up to c. 19 mm. Choice condition, with nice green patinas.

Provenance: Gustav Oberländer (1926-2012), Oberländer aquired his massive and important collection between 1985 - 2000s, bought at reputable dealers and from old collections...

A wonderful matching set of three Mace Heads of the rare claw-shaped type, Bactria, 2nd. millenium BC.

Bactrian bronze egg-shaped mace-heads with spiked sleeves or prongs, Late 2nd Millennium BC. The top of the weapons with narrow edge, the sleeves with small internal tangs for mounting them to a shaft.

Size: Max 6,2 cm. wide and 7,1 cm. high...

A terrific oversized bronze figural Bell, Luristan, c. 1200-800 BC.

The bronze Goat with exceptionally long curving horns and forelegs and with it's body evolving into a large openwork bell. Probably once with a small loop at the end, now lost.

Size: 13,6 cm. long and 9 cm. tall. A high unusual size for these which are normally quite small.

Condition: Near Extremely fine, but for the lost loop finial...

A very atractive bronze seal ring with two standing figures - helmeted and probably female deities, Late Roman, 3rh.-5th. century AD.

The ring of a typical Roman design with raised shoulders and rectangular bezel.

Ringsize (inner diameter): c. 19 mm.

Condition: Very fine, small chip to the side of bezel, attractive museum-style cleaning and preservation...

Rare and museum-quality ancient bronze dagger blade from the early Bronze Age, dating back to 2300-2000 B.C. It was found in Asia Minor (Anatolia), specifically in the central part of Northern Anatolia, belonging to the Hattian civilization. The blade is finely cast in one piece and has a tapering double-edged structure with a pointed tip...

A tanged 'Luristan' bronze dagger or short sword from Ancient Near East, Caspian Sea Area, Bronze age, dating Early-mid 2nd mill BC.

The dagger very heavy fabric sharp shoulders and slight raised midsection tappering to the sharp edges.

Length: c. 32,3 cm.

Condition: Good Very fine nice patina asnd fine metal, uncleaned with deposits.

Ex. Private Collection in Denmark, formed in the 1990's.

A fine and large bronze seal with a loop on the back and a beautiful elaborate cross design, Bactria, c. mid 3rd. millenium BC.

The seal belongs to one of the varied mostly circular metal “stamp seals” relief cast in bronze or copper alloy, but more rarely in silver or gold, which is classified as so-called “compartmented seal” (a term first used in 1943 by the British archaeologist Stuart Pigott – 1943. P. 179–180, fig...

Bactrian bronze compartmentalized seal, Late 3rd - Early 2nd Millennium BC. Simple design on the round base, tall handle. Beautyful brown patina - attractive!. Interesting design in compartements.

Condition: Superb! Exceptional brown patina!

Provenance: Johan Dæhlfeldt Estate Collection - 40 years of collecting antiquities.

A massive and superbly preserved bronze mace head decorated with faceted knobs around the swollen head and flanked by grooved bands on a tubular shaft, later bronzeage, ca. 1200-800 BC.

Size: Unusually large for type - 14,5 cm. tall and 7,5-8 cm. wide! Weight: 660 grams.

Condition: Intact and very attractine with a wonderful red and green patina.

Ex. Danish Collection of ancient weapons, bought at the Danish Antiquities market in the 1980-90s.

Presented here is a nice bronze spear with raised center ridge. The spear head features a beautiful green/brown patina and measures an impressive 10”. It remains intact and is presented on a custom base for display. Acquired from Malter Galleries in the late 1990’s.

Ancient Near Eastern Bronze 4 Leg Kohl Makeup bottle, 4 legs with bent feet the body has 4 rings interspersed between the legs the bottles neck having a geometric band decoration . Great condition size h 4.25" by 2.75" w

A massive and rare excarvated bronze vessel, likely for the storage of liquids, Byzantine, 6th.-9th. century AD.

Horisontically ribbed body and carinated vertically ribbed shoulder with funnel mouth.

Made in solid metal in a fine vase-like shape, with holes for attaching it to chains. A utility vessel, used for containing foods or liquids.

Size: 34-35 cm...

A super lot of three ancient tanged Bronze daggers from Ancient Near East. Types of the 3rd.-2nd. mill. BC.

The lot consist of:
1) A choice and beautiful dagger, c. 26 cm, long with high shoulders and a prominent central midrib, 2nd. mill. BC. On this dagger you can see where the handle of bone or wood once was - very interesting!
2) A nice smaller dagger with rounded shoulders, 3rd. millenium BC, 17,8 cm. long.
3) A 23,1 cm. bronze dagger with early type of p...

BRONZE FINIAL IN THE FORM OF THE “MASTER OF ANIMALS”
PERSIAN PERIOD, 1000 – 650 BC

The Master of (the) Animals or Lord of the Animals is a motif in ancient art showing a human between and grasping two confronted animals. It is very widespread in the art of the Ancient Near East and Egypt. The figure is normally male, but not always, the animals may be realistic or fantastical, and the figure may have animal elements such as horns, or an animal upper body.

The Master of A...

This exquisite artifact is an ancient North-Western Asiatic short bronze sword or dagger that dates back to a period between 1200 and 800 B.C. The craftsmanship is truly impressive, as the sword has been cast using the lost wax process to create a perfectly formed solid bronze hilt of oval shape. The hilt is adorned with double rings that give it a unique and elegant appearance. The elliptical pommel extends to the bronze bolsters in the form of animal heads, adding character and charm to the sw...

This fantastic ancient weapon is a bronze dagger or spear from Luristan - ancient Northern Iran circa 1200 BC. This piece is heavy and stable. It has a leaf shaped blade with a strong midrib. The tang tapers to a small 90 degree bend.It has a wonderful patina including malachite and azurite encrustations. This would be a marvelous addition to any collection.It measures just over 26 cm in length and weighs208 grams.

BRONZE DAGGER WITH A DECORATED HANDLE
BRONZE AGE, PERSIA, 1200 – 800 BC

Beautifully made with remains of limestone inlay on the handle, untouched as found.

This fantastic weapon has survived intact and enjoys a gorgeous green crystalized patina and age related encrustation

Dimensions:
Length: 34.5 cm
Width: 2.5 cm
Height on stand: 32.5 cm

Condition: Intact, not repaired and not restored

Nicely mounted on a customs acrylic “Plexi-g...

Choice bronze seal of bell shape with loop, post-Hittite Kingdoms, most likely Urartu, 1st. millenium BC.

With a fine and interesting engraving in the base.

Size: 23 mm. tall.

Condition: Nice Very Fine, green and red patina.

Provenance: Gustav Oberländer (1926-2012), Oberländer aquired his massive and important collection between 1985 - 2000s, bought at reputable dealers and from old collections. Gustav Oberländer specialized in early stamp seals f...

Adorable bronze figurine from the medieval period, Islamic, Seljuq Empire, 10th.-11th. century AD.

The Lion standing on erect with stylized double-legs and incised details of the mane and head.

A classic antiquity from this period and does not come better or more charming.

Size: 45 mm. long and 35 mm. tall.

Condition: Superb for type, with very nice metal and great patina.

Ex Bavarian private collection, Germany between 1974-2015.

A bracelet or arm ring, Ancient Near East, Median or early Achaemenid, c. 800-600 BC.

A nice somewhat cleaned bracelet of fine high quality silver with two stag heads as finials.

Size: c. 60 mm. in diameter and weighing 33.54 grams.

Ex. Cristian Spinu Private Collection, aquired at Artemission, London 2014.

A large and beautiful green/torquise coloured tanged bronze sword, Ancient Near East dating to the early 1st. mill BC.

Commonly termed 'Luristani' by dealers and collectors.

An elaborate sword blade with shiny light green to torquise patina. Round shoulders and three prominent central midribs forming a lovely pattern running in the full length of the blade, a construction which points to the later manifacturing date of ca. 1100-700 BC.

Size is c. 50 cm., so a ver...

A beautiful larger silver bowl, Sassanian Empire, 300-600 AD.

The Sassanid Dynasty, was the the last native Persian Kingdom to rule Ancient Near East before the Islamic conquest.

An attractive hammered silver bowl, with an scetchy incised animal in the center of the interior and multible concenthric lines around. It looks like a simple bird, but it needs more cleaning to be certain!

Size: ca. 17 cm. wide and 6 cm. tall.

Condition: Choice! A small plug...

A superb bronze mace head decorated with faceted knobs around the swollen head and flanked by grooved bands with a tubular shaft, later bronzeage, ca. 1200-800 BC.

Size: Ca. 10,5 cm.

Condition: Superb for type, wonderful even green patina.

Ex. Danish Collection of ancient weapons, bought at the Danish Antiquities market in the 1980-90s.

A rare and elaborate bronze battle axe, Late bronze age or early Ironage, Pontic–Caspian steppe ca. 1200-800 BC.

A finely made late bronzeage axe that combines stylistical elements of the Indo-European nomadic style with the Indo-Iranian style.

A com pact axe with a large oval socket with 4 ridges and small dots and a small deadly blade. The full axe is shaped like a stylized birds head.

Size: 9 cm.

Ex. Danish Collection of ancient weapons, bought ...

This exquisite short sword or dagger blade is a stunning example of Bronze Age craftsmanship dating back to 1500-1200 B.C. It was discovered in the North-Western Asiatic region close to the Caspian Sea. The blade is cast in one piece, with a double-edged tapering design that comes together at a pronounced central rib. The blade has a short tang that was used to attach the handle. The use of bronze in crafting this piece is a testament to the exquisite skill and artistry of the ancient artisans w...

Interesting bronze stamp seal, engraved with Lion in the drill style, 9th.-7th. century BC.

A knobbed seal, carved with a vivid Lion in the Neo-Assyrian style but with a likely place of manifacture to the North-East of the Neo-Assyrian Empre.

Size: 19 mm.

Provenance: Gustav Oberländer (1926-2012), Oberländer aquired his massive and important collection between 1985 - 2000s, bought at reputable dealers and from old collections. Gustav Oberländer specialized in...

An extralarge bronze seal with a loop on the back and elaborate cross designs, Bactria, 3rd. millenium BC.

Very impressive round seal with large cross-arms in the openwork style.

The seal belongs to one of the varied mostly circular metal “stamp seals” relief cast in bronze or copper alloy, but more rarely in silver or gold, which is classified as so-called “compartmented seal” (a term first used in 1943 by the British archaeologist Stuart Pigott – 1943. P. 179�...

A rare and very impressive presentation quality axe, probably for a chieftain or the like, Indo-European or Indo-Eurasians of the Caspian steppes, c. 2nd. millenium BC.

Attractive with a very long slender blade and a great balance.

Size: 22 cm. long, which makes it one of the largest ancient bronze axes we've handled ever.

Condition: Very fine, hairline repair to the socket, fine purple and green patina with uncleaned earthern encrustations.

Ex. Old D...

A massive ancient Near East bronze lance, ca. 1500-1000 BC.

Caspian Sea area, likely Turkmenistan. The largest bronze lance we've had for 20 years with it's 55 cm.

The lance with a very long folded and hammered socket, still with original content inside. Blade with a raised midsection.

A highly interesting piece for it's size alone, very impressive in hand.

Condition: Very nice, intact with minor losses to the blade, as seen in the pictures. Fine unclea...

A large Zoomorphic style bronze plaque with a loop for attachment on the back, Scythian c. 700-400 BC.

Attractive with a bird-like creature displayed in the advanced steppe style.

Size: 67 mm. tall and 29 mm. wide.

Condition: Nice VF, intact with a green patina.

Ex. Hafnia Coins, ancient coin dealer in Copenhagen, inventory from c. 1990s.

A rare and very early representation of a Deity, Ancient Near East, 3rd. millenium BC.

The deity likely god from Mesopotamia or Susa, but made in the Southern region and of the mixed intercultural style of Kermanh / Bactria.

The half figure fragmentary with a beak-like nose, large eyes and a small 'sailors' hat, with lumbs of cobber on the body likely representing clothings.

Size: 7 cm.

Ex. Old Private Collection

A nice tanged leaf shaped bronze dagger from the ancient near east, Caspian Sea Area, Mid-late Bronze age, 2nd. mill. BC.

Very broad, leaf-shaped blade with raised central midrib and a long tang - circa half the length of the blade, with a bend at the top, for better fastening to the wooden handle.

Length: c. 20 cm

Condition: Good Very fine, fine green patina.

Ex. Private Collection in Denmark, formed in the 1990's.

This exceptional artifact is a one-piece dagger blade made of bronze, originating from the North-Western part of Asia during the Ancient Bronze Age, which existed from 1500 to 1200 B.C. The blade is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, displaying a tapering double-edged structure with a pronounced central rib. The rib, which runs down the center of the blade, would have added strength to the weapon. The blade also has a short tang, which is a protruding part of the blade that would have been used to ...

This is an exceptional piece of history - a museum-quality bronze axe head from the Luristan region, dating back to the period of 1250-900 BC. The axe head boasts a unique design, featuring a flaring and downward-curved blade accentuated by central and side reliefs. The cylindrical ribbed shaft enhances its aesthetics, and four conical spikes ensure stability. This artifact offers a glimpse into the ancient world and the remarkable craftsmanship of that era.

MEASUREMENTS:

Overall len...

Ancient Scythians bronze fibula in the shape of a deer 6th-4th century BC

DETAILS: Openwork bronze depicting a seated deer with slender body, large head and antlers, and pronounced musculature; the legs folded beneath the body; the head regardant, resting on the hind quarters; the facial features stylised, with a large, round eye; the reverse with it’s the original clasp for attachment.

REFERENCES: 1) The Golden Deer of Eurasia Scythian and Sarmatian Treasures from th...

Interesting and scarce bronze dagger from Greater Persia, c. 3rd. millenium BC.

Among the earliest types of bronze daggers, probably dating deep in the 3rd. millenium BC. No hole for the rivet and with a slightly raised midsection. The upper part of both sides of the blade finely engraved with a heering pattern!

Size: c. 21 cm.

Condition: Very fine, intact with rough uncleaned patina.

Ex. Private Collection in Denmark, formed in the 1990's. ...

Nicely modeled bronze figure of a horse with elongated body, stiff legs and long tail.
The head shows a flattened muzzle with incised mouth, domed eyes and alert ears.
The tail with hatched incisions. Suspension loop at the base of the neck.
Bronze
Luristan, 8th-7th century BC
L. 6.7 cm (2.6 in)
H. 3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Intact and fine. Nice patina with soil deposits.
Ex collection of William Ashby.

The authenticity of the object is...

Interesting bronze seal of a cone shape with a small top without drill, Western Mesopotamia / Lake Van area, c. 2nd. mill. BC.

First time in stock for this type with is also decorated on the sides with a figure?.

Size: 19 mm. tall and 16 mm. wide.

Condition: Very fine, needs more manual cleaning.

This seal comes with hard impression and original ID-card from below collection, see pictures.

Provenance: Gustav Oberländer (1926-2012), Oberlän...

A fantastic and exceptional thick and heavy ancient silver bracelet, Uratian-Achaemenid period, dating 800-500 BC.

A heavy silver armring evolving into a huge spiral, very complicated and beautiful silverwork for the period.

Size: ca. 7,1 cm. tall and weight: 84 grams.

Condition: Superb, completely intact with attachment rings intact too, fine uncleaned rough grey patina, easy to remove with manuel cleaning, if so desired.

Provenance: Ex Shlomo Moussai...

Attractive Bactrian bronze compartment seal, Late 3rd - Early 2nd Millennium BC. Simple design on the round base, tall handle.

Size: 18 mm. wide and 15 mm. tall.

Condition: Nice Very fine, fine even wear and green deposits.

This seal comes with hard impression and original ID-card from below collection

Provenance: Johan Dæhlfeldt Estate Collection - 40 years of collecting antiquities.

A very rare massive bronze mace head, Neo-Assyrian Empire, c. 9th.-8th. cent. BC.

More massive in construction than the typical 2nd.-1st. millenium BC mace heads with the solid socket being 4,5 cm. wide. Assyrian design, where the balance is at the very top of the mace head, which is ending in a wide hexagonal star of flat, sturdy projections. High quality weapon with finely detailed profiles and line engravings.

Size: Diameter of the star shape is 9,2 cm. the socket is ...

A large bronze seal with a loop on the back and elaborate design with smaller cross in the center, Bactria, 3rd. millenium BC.

The seal belongs to the group of varied mostly circular metal stamp seals relief cast in bronze or copper alloy, classified as so-called compartmented seals (a term first used in 1943 by the British archaeologist Stuart Pigott – 1943. P. 179–180, fig. 4) Reff. See Sandro Salvatori Bactria and Margiana Seals: A New Assessment of Their Chronological Positio...

A bronze Scythe, Turkmenistan / Caspian Sea Area, bronzeage 2nd.-1st. mill. BC.

Interesting large and very sharp blade, used as a harvesting tool and sometimes as a weapon as well. European bronzeage scythe blades (sicles) are fairly commenly sold on the market whereas sicles from the Near east or western asian bronzeage cultures are very scarce indeed. This specimen is larger than most European blades, whith a highly sharpened blade and a thick slightly bended back of blade.
...

A fine solid bronze figure of a Rooster / Cockerel, ca. 10th.-12th. century AD.

A beautiful figure, sculptured in the round in a naturalistic manor, very attractive and scarce.

The Rooster has finely engraved feathers on the body and tail. A hole at the top for the loose mohawk which is now missing.

Size: 8 cm. long and 7,8 cm. high. Dark green patina with redish highlights.

Condition: Very nice, some corrosion to the tail and feet but othervise so...

This is a very interesting bronze, socketed spear from ancient Greece or Persia. It has a slightly swollen midrib accented with incised lines. The socket is split at the original seam and there are some losses. The blade has what appears to be ancient battle damage, making this quite a unique piece for any collection. The overall length is roughly 18 cm and the weight is 130 grams.

An important extra large bronze humped bull sculpture, Amlash circa 1000-800 B.C.

A very attractive bronze bull, standing on it's stout legs and with a oversize hump and pierced through the body. Highly unusual this detailed and in the impressive size!

Size: 84 mm. long and 63 mm. tall.

Condition: Superb for type, with very nice metal and great mottled green patina.

Ex Bavarian private collection, Germany between 1974-2015.

A very large and extrafine bronze seal with a loop on the back and elaborate cross designs, Bactria, 3rd. millenium BC.

Very impressive round seal with a small solid cross in the center and large cross-arms in the openwork style. The seal belongs to one of the varied mostly circular metal “stamp seals” relief cast in bronze or copper alloy, but more rarely in silver or gold, which is classified as so-called “compartmented seal” (a term first used in 1943 by the British archa...

A puzzling piece made in patinated bronze or silver. The alloy is very white, so it could be silver too. Luristan, 1st. millenium BC. The piece is perhaps a horsebit or horse-equipment. It's decorated with two rams heads on each side of a long pole that has two bases.

Size: 12,8 cm. long and 5,5 cm. high. ca. 102 grams

Ex. North German Private Collection from the 1970s-1980s.

Rhyton with a cylindrical shape progressively widening toward its top to give an overall conical aspect. The rython is decorated with two feminine deities figures in relief on both sides, wearing horns and having a posture similar to the one of Osiris statues. The body of the rhyton itself is decorated with superimposed geometric designs in slight relief. The piece is made of bronze, with an encrusted green patina. Mesopotamia, probably Bronze Age, ca. 3000 to 1500 B.C. Height: 11.5 cm. Strong s...

This week I am posting several Bronze Age weapons from the Middle East including a set of 5, very unique, crescent-hilt daggers from the Marlik culture (circa 1000 BC). These all came from the same private collection. For a nearly identical example see "Arms and Armor from Iran" by Manoucher Khorasani p 50 figure 1 and page 53. This specimen appears to have been cleaned partially so I have included a 35X micrograph of an area of the surface showing crystallization common on ancient bronze. The ...

Interesting and very rare pendant or finial of the Hittite period in Anatolia, c. mid 2nd. millenium BC.

The finial shaped with a bull head on top of another bull.

Size: 6 cm. long and 4,5 cm. tall.

Condition: Fine, earthern green patina, somewhat flaking at the edges, but sound enough.

Ex. Hafnia Coins inventory from c. 1990s.

Rare Seljuk bronze key with an eagle standing on the back of a rooster while pecking at the head of its prey. The rooster has a small crest and protruding eyes.
Birds play an important role in the Seljuk decorative repertoire, and in this case they probably evoke a demonstration of power.
Cast into a two-piece mold and showing a casting seam.
Bronze
Islamic, Seljuq Period, 11th-12th century AD
L. 9.1 cm (3.7 in)
Rare piece. Surface slightly corroded. Th...

This is a very early specimen of a bronze dagger or spear from the ancient middle East. It is solid and stable with only minor losses. It has a plain blade and tang typical of the earliest pieces from the region. It weighs 162 grams and measures roughly 20 cm in length. This is a great piece to start off your collection or to pick up a very early type at a reasonable price.

This specimen is a large bronze dagger or spear from ancient Lebanon. I do not have a specific cultural attribution for it as of yet but often these types get the blanket classification of Luristan. It may also be Marlik. There are some losses to the blade edges but the rest of the piece appears solid and stable with no signs of repair or restoration. It measures right at 32 cm in length and weighs 213 grams.The blade is over a cm thick near the center and a half cm at the tip.

Ancient Near East, Luristan, ca. 1200 to 800 BC. An elaborate bronze cloak pin, cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process with a Zoomorphic beast terminal.

Used to fasten clothes, in this case due to the unusually heavy fabric and decoration, likely leather for presentation use - perhaps for a very thick cape or leather armor.

Size: 11,2 cm.

Condition: Superb! Wonderful dark-green patina.

Ex German Collection from Hessen, aquired before 1970.

Interesting and very impressive massive armring, the bronze mixed with some silver to make a whiter alloy, Achaemenid or pre-Achaemenid period, ancient near east, 1st. mill. BC.

Thick and massive bracelet with complicated bimetalic design with twisted copper-wire, and larger twisted rods and ending in stylised animal heads. The bracelet with a lovely warm brown find patina.

Size: 83 mm. wide, weighing 407 grams.

Condition: Choice and intact.

Ex. Old ...

A large bronze seal with a loop on the back and elaborate design with smaller cross in the center, Bactria, 3rd. millenium BC.

The seal belongs to the group of varied mostly circular metal stamp seals relief cast in bronze or copper alloy, classified as so-called compartmented seals (a term first used in 1943 by the British archaeologist Stuart Pigott – 1943. P. 179–180, fig. 4) Reff. See Sandro Salvatori Bactria and Margiana Seals: A New Assessment of Their Chronological Positio...