Bronze Age 'Axel Guttman' European Bronze Rapier with Spirals
16th-14th century B.C. With swollen tapering blade, finely incised with concentric rings and spirals at the top of the blade and extended parallel lines; pierced hilt for the fastening of an organic hilt; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. Cf. Falkenstein, F., ‘Gewalt und Krieg in der Bronzezeit Mitteleuropeas’ in Bericht der Bayerischen Bodendenkmalpfelge, 2006/2007, 47/48, pp.33-52, fig.2, for a similar complete sword with hilt. Born H. and Habsen, S., Helme und Waffen Alteuropas: Sammlung Axel Guttmann, IX, Mainz, 2001, (AG 1033), pp.96-109.
520 grams total, 43.5 cm high including stand (17 1/8 in.).
Ex Axel Guttmann collection, AG 1033.The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, Part 2, 28 April 2004, lot 17.This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 11829-207734. From the middle of the 2nd millennium B.C., the bronze sword became the most efficient and feared warrior melee weapon, as well as the symbol of an aristocratic warrior.