1500-1100 B.C. Leaf-shaped blade with flared shoulder and two attachment rivets; moulded midrib flaring to two shallow channels; narrow lentoid-section tip; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. Pendleton, C.F., Bronze Age Metalwork in Northern East Anglia. A Study of its Distribution and Interpretation, B.A.R. British Series 279, Oxford, 1999, item 194, for type. 930 grams total, 56.5 cm high including stand (22 1/4 in.).

Reputedly found in the River Blackwater, Bradwell, Essex. with Christie's, South Kensington, 13 May 2003, no.259. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12136-217739.

The lack of an integral tang is an early feature found on Class II rapiers. [No Reserve]