A Large Elaborate Sword with Open Work Decorate Grip, from the 1st Millennium B.C.E.
L. 57 CM
WP_PR_1102
Further images
Provenance
The Private Collection of the Baidun FamilyMahmoud Baidun (1920-1980) founded what would become Khader M Badiun and Sons Galleries in Jerusalem, Isreal. As a young boy, Mahmoud would accompany archeologists, biblical scholars, and visiting delegations on excavation sites all over Jerusalem and other sites within the country. Earning the trust of scholars and archeologists alike, Mahmoud became an indispensable presence and guide to other visiting scholars. When Mr. Baidun entered the antiquities trade, he would be granted trade license under the British Mandate and from the Hashemite Kingdom. When Israel authorized the trade of antiquities, Mahmoud was issued one of the first antiquities licenses issued in the country. He would later forge close relationships with other merchants; slowly building a massive private collection that would go on to sell to political leaders, international museums, and private collectors globally.
This sword has a long triangular wide blade that is decorated with multiple grooves. The guard and the handle are cast together. The grip is complete, decorated with grooves for the fingers and terminates with a hemispherical pommel, which acts as a counterweight to balance the sword. The skin has a natural deep green patina.
From the design of this weapon, such as a wide and not too long blade, indicates that it was used in close range combat.