Ancient Central/Eastern Europe, Balkan Region (Slovenia, Serbia, Bulgaria), Celtic peoples, ca. early 1st millennium BCE. A wonderfully well-preserved iron knife known as a machaira (also sica) exhibiting a gently curved blade profile. The blade slopes slightly forward and has a sharpened edge along the interior curve opposite a thick spine that expands out to form petite 'wings' along the outer half. The shoulder is reinforced with thick, integral panels that rest just above the handle which has three perforated rivet holes meant to accommodate aesthetic panels of hide or bone. The protruding handle butt enabled the warrior to swiftly swing the weapon little fear of it flying from his or her grip. Size: 15.9" L x 1.125" W (40.4 cm x 2.9 cm)
Curved, single-edged swords developed during the Bronze Age in southeastern Europe, with various groups around the eastern Adriatic coast using them. One notable example is from the late La Tene cremation burial at Most na Soci, Slovenia, where a cremation burial included a sword of this type, a spearhead, and a fibula. In that burial, the sword and fibula had both been ritually destroyed as most metal grave goods were by the Celts.
Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000
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#160073
Condition
Sword has likely been cleaned in modern times. Original tip missing as shown. Slight bending to overall form of blade, with abrasions to blade and handle, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout.