China, Western Han Dynasty, ca. 250 BCE. This is the bronze hilt of a highly decorative sword or dagger that once had an iron blade - the remains of the iron blade remain trapped by the guard but it is mostly missing from the current piece. The pommel is elongated, rounded, and hollow; the grip is decorated with finely raised points that give it a, frankly, painful texture (this may have been done to grip leather that was wrapped around it). The guard consists of twin spikes that go down the edge of the blade a short distance (about one third the length of the grip and pommel). The bronze patina of this place is incredible - a deep, almost midnight blue in many places, interspersed with brilliant turquoise. The remains of the iron embedded in the guard also provide a nice insight into how these items were made, with clear layers shown in cross section on the end of the broken blade. Size: 5" L x 1.8" W (12.7 cm x 4.6 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Estate of John Piscopo. Mr. Piscopo was one of the largest collectors of ancient weapons in the US with a collection that spanned all cultures, all ages.

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#115958

Corrosion to hilt end; the blade is broken at the guard. Fine grey green patina over bronze; iron heavily oxidized.