1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. This beautiful cast bronze sword has a tapering, bevelled blade and a heavy "skull crusher" handle comprising a vertical cylindrical grip terminating in two heavy bronze loops arranged at a slight angle. 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:790mm / W:50mm ; 1.2kg; Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.