European
A European bronze dirk blade, Middle Bronze Age, circa 1500 - 1100 BC
Bronze
Length: 13.9 cm
Further images
The short sword is thought to be of English origin. The still sharp blade is ogival in form and of rib and groove section. In its complete state the blade...
The short sword is thought to be of English origin. The still sharp blade is ogival in form and of rib and groove section. In its complete state the blade would have been completed by a grip, and secured to it by bronze rivets. This example still preserves one of the original rivets at the butt. This is a rare form, with wide channels and the midrib extending virtually to the tip.
Provenance
Reputedly EnglishWith H.A. Cahn (1915 - 2002) Basel, 1970s - 90s
With Gallery Cahn, prior to 2010
Swiss private collection
Literature
Dirks are short swords, designed to be wielded easily with one hand as a stabbing weapon. For a related but slightly earlier in date dagger or dirk with the hilt still preserved, see British Museum: acc. no. 1882,0518.6, which was found in the River Thames.For further discussion of the type, cf. J. Evans, The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881; S. Gerloff and C.B. Burgess, The Dirks and Rapiers of Great Britain and Ireland, Abteilung IV: Band 7, Munich, Beck, 1981