Near Eastern Bronze Sword, 10th–8th Century BCE

Description

a bronze sword cast using the lost-wax process, featuring square shoulders, the blade, tapering to a sharp point, with a prominent midrib and blood channels, a circular crescent guard encloses the upper part of the midrib. The hilt curves inward from a splayed pommel forming concave sides and is flanged to receive an inlay.
For a related example, see Oscar White Muscarella, “Bronze and Iron Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art” (1988), pg.102, fig. 169 and 170.
Condition: Signs of use, the sword is Intact and in good condition overall, custom mounted.
Dimensions: Height:  18 3/4 inches (47.62 cm)
Provenance: Private Maryland collection, acquired in the 1960s, thereafter private Virginia collection, and then by descent.