FINEST INVESTMENT-CLASS ANCIENT COPPER ANTENNA SWORD FROM THE HARAPPAN CIVILIZATION *LUR191

Product Description

Of maximum size and perfect in every way, this EXTREMELY RARE ancient copper "Antenna Sword"from the ancient Harrapan Culture of the Ancient Near East (Indus Valley) is IMPOSSIBLE TO IMPROVE ON.  This fortunate opportunity presents a RARE chance for an advanced collector to acquire THE FINEST EVER "INVESTMENT-CLASS", RARE ancient sword type for their collection.  This period in ancient history was only recently discovered in hoard burials from Northern India, where an advanced civilization flourished, with armies of chariots and armor.  This specific offering is identical to an example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Accession Number: 2001.433.53), this example being considerably nicer and larger than the museum specimen.

The preservation and condition on this rare ancient copper sword is amazing - the finest we have ever seen of these swords anywhere.  The antenna pommel is perfect and huge - wider than typical with complete preservation and no loss to the tips.  The blade is perfect and complete with no bending or deformity.  The tip is super sharp as originally made.  Finally, the patina is of an exceptional ancient green hue due to the mineral layer of malachite on the surface.  The prominent mid-rib was to strengthen the blade, allowing it to pierce the leather and copper armor that would have been worn in this period.  A sword like this could have been employed by either a foot soldier, or a chariot warrior.  We cannot emphasize enough, just how rare this sword is.  In our 36 year history working with ancient militaria, this is the finest example of the few specimens we have handled.

These swords were made of cast and hammered unalloyed copper.  The crudeness and wavy features of the metal are a result of the copper being softer than alloyed bronze, and of a much earlier and more primitive metalsmithing technique compared to the more refined work of later Bronze Age weapons and cultures.  The straight Y-shaped pommel is a unique feature of these swords and this design never migrated to the ancient Near East, making these swords an immediately identifiable artifact to this ancient culture and region.

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 such as a layered mineralized patina with encrustations.  No active bronze disease.   Bronze disease can be a problem in bronze artifacts and untreated, it can literally eat away an artifact over a matter of years and destroy the piece. 

WARNING:  There is an increasing number of fake "ancient" bronze weapons 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.