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Product Description
SEE MORE ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN LURISTAN ARTIFACTS
It may not be as impressive as a sword but this large ancient medical surgical bone saw is one of the RAREST objects we could offer from ANY Ancient culture! It comes from the Ancient Near East and is complete with heavy copper patina. The blade is complete with a tang that would have been embedded in a handle. There are two creases from bending of the blade near the end. As an extremely old ancient tool, each serration was originally meticulously hand cut. This explains the irregularity of the edge. Extensive use wear has further reduced the serrations. A rich and colorful mineral patina covers the bronze surface with ancient encrustations. This is an example of the EARLIEST of ancient bronze saw designs based on the design of the teeth and cutting edge.
Ancient saws are EXTREMELY scarce tools and their use in hand-held sizes such as this were used in ancient medical amputations which are scientifically documented (see references at end below). Medical care and injuries from combat often required amputation to save the patient. Amputations were also found to be a form of punishment in the ancient Near East, as well. In the last 24 years of our business, we have been fortunate enough to acquire only TWO specimens, one with an integral handle also currently for sale, and this one with a tang to embed in a handle. This would make the ultimate gift for any physician, as well as a RARE addition to any ancient or antique medical tool collection!
For the most advanced collections of museum displays, this is a "Holy Grail" ancient tool to acquire as the vast majority of museums in the world, lack these rare objects!
This artifact has been professionally cleaned and conserved in our lab, being treated with a special sealer developed and formulated by us specifically for ancient metal preservation. The patina shows beautiful traits only found in authentic ancient weapons. It is a patina like this that the finest ancient bronzes are prized for and it is a patina like this that brings a premium in price and value of the specimen. There is no active bronze disease. Bronze disease forms a corrosive powder that will literally eat away an artifact over time and destroy it.
WARNING: There is an increasing number of fake and altered composite Near Eastern (Luristan) bronze artifacts on the market. As fine quality intact, original specimens become more scarce and techniques have become more sophisticated to fake these weapons. We have personally handled numerous extremely well-done fakes with extremely convincing patinas. The degree to which the fakers have been able to replicate patina to disguise their work requires an expert examination by highly experienced individuals. It is common to find very reasonably priced weapons that are made up of part original and part modern components or wholly modern pieces displaying elaborate artificial patinas. All purchases should include from the dealer a written guarantee of authenticity with unconditional and lifetime return policies regarding such guarantee.
REFERENCES:
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LIMB AMPUTATION
ANCIENT ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY AND AMPUTATION
