European Bronze Age Knife

Object Description

A fine bronze knife, dating to the Europen Bronze Age. It features a flat, curved blade, which tapers to a point at the top. The right side of the blade is decorated with a dotted motif running along the upper edge. Before the blade, the hilt is adorned with four encircling incisions. The handle and top flat ridge of the knife is further enriched with panels of linear decoration, with the handle featuring diagonal lines and the blade featuring vertical incisions. The handle, which is recessed, features three perforations and culminates in a rounded loop. Two more encircling incisions decorated the joint between the loop and the handle. The handle originally would have accommodated an inlay of bone, wood, or semi-precious stone.

Date: Circa 1500-600 BC

Object History

Numisart collection, Munich, Germany, circa 1995. Acquired in the 2000s. From the private collection of J.L., Surrey, UK.

Object Condition

Very fine condition. A beautiful dark green patina has developed to the surface. The knife has been professionally cleaned. Signs of wear, such as minor chips, scratches, and warping, as consistent with its age. Minor surface pitting.

Object Details