3rd-2nd millennium BC. A bronze crescent-shaped axe with bulbous detailing at the centre of the blade, projecting from both sides at its centre and a curved tang for attachment to the shaft or to a pole; mounted on a custom-made display stand. See Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003, pl.XIX, n.66 and pl.XX, nn.91-93, for the typology. 920 grams total, 31cm including stand (12 1/4"). Property of a gentleman from Jerusalem; previously in an old Israeli collection; accompanied by a copy of Israeli export permit number 43725. The axe shows strong similarity with an ancient specimen from Soloy-Pompeiopolis, Cilicia. Like the Cilician specimen, the axe was not attached to the shaft with fastening holes drilled in the blade and then fixed to the shaft with laces, but only one central protuberance was strictly folded around the shaft. The system was more archaic and less secure, as a prolonged use of the axe could facilitate its breaking. The iconography of some axes from Megiddo and Canaan, however, in the period between the XX and the XVII century BC, seems to point a prolonged use of this type of axe together with the newer typologies fastened to the shaft with three protuberances, sometimes folded around the wood, sometimes laced. For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price Condition Report Fine condition.