Greek Bronze-Hilted Xiphos Short Sword > Lot No. 1343

Description:
A xiphos short sword, the iron blade leaf-shaped with two median ribs; the grip of rectangular section with ribbed collar, the lower guard of lentoid section with triangular extensions to each edge; the pommel a thick iron block.

Culture/Period:
7th-5th century BC

Measurements:
430 grams, 41 cm

Size :
16"

Condition:
Bronze hilt complete, iron pommel and blade degraded.

Provenance:
Property of a Hampshire Gentleman; acquired before 1990.

Comments notes:
The sword is believed to be of the shorter Spartan design with a blade of around 30 cm, distinct from the more usual 50-60 cm blades used by other Greek armies. The surviving blade of the present piece is 27 cm.

Estimate: £300 - 400 (EUR 350 - 470; USD 470 - 630)

Auction date: Thursday 4th October 2012 & Friday 5th October 2012 Coins & Antiquities

Sold for: £650