880 - Four pommels from bronze swords, the Zagros Mountains and neighboring regions, ca. 1000 B.C.

Four pommels from bronze swords, the Zagros Mountains and neighboring regions, ca. 1000 B.C. 1-3) Three pommels from fan-hilt swords with square-shaped hilts. The pommels run perpendicular to the blade, which is no longer present: A slightly curved, hollow tube with thick walls and ribs running perpendicular to the tube’s axis in the center. On the lateral edges are the slanted “fans”; the outer surface is smooth or has a groove running along the edge, while the inner surface has a ridge along the edge. Toward the bottom, the pommel transitions into a square-shaped hilt, featuring a circumferential thickening at the top that is approximately one centimeter wide. On the sides with the “fans,” the hilt widens at the bottom after a step and ultimately transitions “seamlessly” in one piece into the crossguard; which has an oval cross-section and two lateral prongs. The other, opposite sides run without a step; at the bottom, their side surfaces then bend off at a right angle and form the upper end of the crossguard. In the other two examples, the crossguard is not preserved. The complete hilt with guard is in excellent condition with a beautiful, dark green patina. The two fragmentary pieces without guards feature layers of oxides and incrustations. Lengths: 10 cm, 14.5 cm, and 20 cm. 4) A hilt with a fluted lower section that is oval in cross-section and widens at the bottom to match the width of the blade. Above this are two ribs. The pommel, tapered downward on both sides, rests on a fluted base with two lateral ridges that end in balls with two grooves in front of them. Between the ridges is a rib; the centers of the ridges are angled outward and likewise feature spheres with two grooves in front of them. The remains of a once-existing iron blade have been largely milled away. Dark green patina. Length 12.2 cm. CULTURAL HERITAGE! Provenance: French private collection. Acquired from Hermann Historica, Munich, April 22, 2009, Auction 57, Lot 304. Axel Guttmann Collection (1944–2001). Condition: I -