Iberian Dagger With Antennae, Circa 1st Century Bc.

Iberian Antennae Dagger Circa 1st century B.C.
One of the most relevant elements of the Iberian Culture is undoubtedly the early iron weapons that made them some of the most elite warriors in the world. These iron daggers is what the Romans modelled the famous Pugio dagger.

The early iron weapons were used by the Elite Mercenary Units, the Iberian Light Infantry armed with the falcata and antennae daggers made by expert Iberian smiths. . The lighter infantry wore just a short tunic with a wide leather belt and often no armour at all, but occasionally a bronze cap. They carried the falcata, dagger and a small buckler shield a caetra. The warriors were known to be superb fighters, they would move with acrobatic elegance. While considered light infantry due to their skill in battle Hannibal counted them as heavy infantry and used them to great effectiveness.
They served with distinction in the Punic wars as well as the Greeks in the Peloponnesian War.

1st Century B.C. Iron dagger forged with a beautifully leaf shaped blade blade with multiple fullers, the tip which had already been repaired using resin has come loose but could be easily be restored. The pommel is what gives this dagger and other weapons its iconic name. The handle and hilt have some looseness but this is to be expected due to its age. It is important to note that the Antennae daggers and weapons have been around since the early bronze age to the medieval period and can examples can be found both in Europe and Asia. This shows the strong historical importance such a weapons and how it was favoured. It’s style and designed survived many thousands of years and is still one of the most iconic weapons to this day.

The Spanish government has classified these objects as national treasures and property of the Spanish heritage. Not many such examples still survive with most being in Musuems. A truly rare object for the finest connoisseur.

Specifications:
Length 41 cm

https://antiquesarmoury.com/product/iberian-antennae-dagger-circa-1st-century-b-c/