1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. This beautiful cast bronze sword has a tapering, bevelled blade, with a raised central midrip, and a an elaborate openwork handle with a pointed finale. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Superb condition.Size: L:446mm / W:78mm ; 520g; Provenance: Private collection of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.