Northwestern Asia, Southwest Caspian Region or Luristan Late 2nd mill. B.C.-800 B.C. Iron, bronze, stone. L. 26 1/32 in; 66.1 cm

The transition from the slender iron blade to the handle is adorned by a broad oval loop that is divided in two by the central groove that runs along the blade. The iron handle is adorned with numerous small spherical bronze appliques and ends in a separately worked biconical bronze pommel with circular cross-section and short cuff. The pommel was originally decorated with inlays, possibly of precious metal or decorative stones. The inlays formed a larger horizontal frieze composed of alternating squares and crosses, the later consisting of four triangles and, above it, a smaller frieze of squares. These still contain the remains of bronze nails. The friezes are framed by three bands of beads framed by finely engraved bands of lozenges. The rounded surface at the end of the pommel is framed by a band of ring punches. A horizontal row of slit spherical appliques and bands of lozenges mark the transition from the oval loop to the blade. The central groove of the sword is framed on either side by a broad band with a twisted central ridge and fine blood grooves. The blood grooves are bordered by a frieze of engraved triangles with dots in their interiors. One stone inlay, some adhesive in the friezes on the pommel and many spherical appliques preserved. Important ironwork artefact of the Late Bronze Age. The simultaneous use of iron and bronze are indicative of the transition to the Early Iron Age.

Cutting edges slightly worn. Top part of the blade, cutting edge and part of the oval restored.

Formerly Sasson Gallery, Jerusalem, since 1981. Thereafter Israel art market.