c. 323-31 BC. Greek Hellenistic period.This beautiful iron sword has a tapering, bevelled blade with an inverted heart-shaped guard and an integral handle with a stylised pommel in the shape of a gryphon. The Hellenistic period, which runs from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC to the battle of Actium is 31 BC, was an era in which Greek-speaking peoples controlled much of the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia as far as present-day Afghanistan. This period saw many momentous scientific discoveries and artistic developments, as well as protracted periods of war between the armies of the numerous Hellenistic kingdoms. Excellent condition; wearable; Size: L:576mm / W:71mm ; 1.2kg; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.