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Late Bronze Age Sword from France with Golden Lustre
$75,000
£56,938.57
€65,640.90
CA$106,097.85
A$114,223.99
CHF 61,169.17
MX$1,376,358.39
NOK 771,785.40
SEK 706,308.28
DKK 490,495.05
About the Item
This sleek and extremely well-preserved sword is an icon of warrior culture from the Late Bronze Age. Its finely incised decoration and near perfect form creates a timeless and elegant silhouette, characteristic of the Saint-Nazaire sword type, typical of the North Atlantic people during this period. The hilt has seven piercings to which the handle was once fastened; five of the rivets remain.
The golden lustre is particularly indicative of its enigmatic history. Known as a ‘river patina’, this surface forms when bronze is buried in an oxygen-deprived environment, such as in a freshwater riverbed, for thousands of years. The inscription on the hilt - ‘Saône-Près-Lyon’ - is more specific; suggesting that it was found in the River Saône in France. In the Late Bronze Age, prestige objects were often deposited in waterways as a ritual offering to the Gods. This sword’s lustrous river patina is an enigmatic visual reminder of this sword’s past spiritual significance.
With a custom, bronze desk base, this sword presents a unique story, both an iconic symbol of Late Bronze age culture and a timeless display piece for the modern collector.
Provenance:
Recovered from the River Saône, near Lyon [according to a handwritten inscription on the hilt]
Collection of Monsieur F. B. (1950-2009), Normandy, France;
Subsequently French art market 2021 and exported under French Cultural Property Passport 233626.
Please note that this item is a work of art and is thus exempt from US reciprocal tariffs.
ArtAncient are dealers in rare wonders from the formation of the Solar System to late antiquity, discovering, studying and placing objects in extraordinary collections. Do not hesitate to contact us for more details on this piece.
- Dimensions:Height: 27.96 in (71 cm)Width: 1.19 in (3 cm)Depth: 3.94 in (10 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:c.800-900 BC
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 429541stDibs: LU1052248083632
About the Seller
5.0
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Associations
LAPADA - The Association of Arts
Antiques DealersInternational Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers
AssociationsThe British Antique Dealers
Association
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: London, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
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