Western Asiatic Bronze Dagger
2nd millennium B.C. With a narrow pointed blade and wide raised flange down centre, straight sides, well marked shoulders with narrow tang, one hole for rivet. See Maxwell-Hyslop, R., 'Daggers and swords in Western Asia: a Study from Prehistoric Times to 600BC,' in Iraq, Volume 8, 1946, pp.1-65, pl.II, type 12. 128 grams total, 17.6 cm high including stand (6 7/8 in.).

From the possessions of a member of a German princely family, gathered in the late 19th century, until the 1930s.with Auction House CUSP, Vienna, Auction Antique Art from Asia and from the Eastern Mediterranean, 16 June 2012, lot 75 [Part].

The type was technically more advanced than previous types of blades in the Near East, owing to the shape of the weapon, with its slightly convex sides widening out near the point, which combined the advantages of the leaf-shaped and straight-sided forms. (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)