Lot 680
An Important Dagger, with Royal Inscription. Western Iran, Luristan, c. 1200-1000 BC. Bronze dagger, cast and wrought, of usual form. The blade somewhat lanceolate, with heavy midrib, and long, unworked "throat." The tapered handled, with crescentic pommel, and channeled to accept inlays. These would have been in bone, ivory, or stone, and were held in place by the folded over flaps at the handle's base (only one extant). Inscribed on each side at blade's throat, are two registers of cuneiform inscription. Also, on one side a bisected arch, and an outlined cross on the other. This dagger a well used tool. The blade shows repeated sharpening and some nicks, while two of the handle flaps have worn thin until they fell off. Dagger with good dark green and black patina. Length: 12". Very rare!
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
Typically, inscribed Luristan daggers would bear the name of the king who would have given the weapon as a gift to a soldier or a member of his private bodyguard. The cross seen on this blade is ethnic emblem typical of Kassite inscriptions and art -- perhaps indicating this blade saw its gifting further west, among the Kassite kingdoms.
|
| |
| Unsold |
