Advanced Search 
Sword
Italic
Bronze Age, Late Bronze Age
about 1300–1200 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Length: 64 cm (25 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Classical Department Purchase Fund in memory of Miss Grace Nelson
Accession Number61.376
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing – Swords, daggers, knives
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 533; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 126 (additional published references).
DescriptionTwo-edged blade with a midrib running along the entire length. Flanged tang for insertion in the hilt. Six rivets remain at the flaring portion of the blade. Pointed-oval cross-section. This type of sword is known as Griffzungenschwerter or, more specifically Naue II. Excellent preservation, with yellow (cleaned) Tiber patina.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: said to have been found near Bologna with objects 61.375, 61.377, 61.378, and 61.379; by 1960: with Münzen und Medaillen A.G., Malzgasse 25, Basel, Switzerland; May 10, 1961: purchased by MFA from Münzen und Medaillen A.G. for $ 1400 - (this is the total price of 61.375-61.379).