Luristan Iron Short Sword | Ancient Near Eastern Weapon | 750–650 BCE

Provenance & Ownership History
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Ex-private collection of Martin B. Retting, noted early collector and founder of the longstanding Southern California arms dealership Martin B. Retting, Inc.; subsequently in the collection of a private Los Angeles, California arms-and-armour dealer.

$3,000.00
$3,000.00
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This is a one-of-a-kind historical object. Once sold, this exact piece will not be restocked.
Ancient Luristan iron short sword from Western Iran, circa 750–650 BCE, featuring a lion-head disc pommel, ribbed grip, and straight double-edged blade. Iron Age weapon with natural patina and surface oxidization, reflecting Luristan metallurgical skill, ceremonial significance, and martial artistry.
Video showing an ancient Luristan iron short sword from Western Iran, dating to circa 750–650 BCE, with a lion-head disc pommel, ribbed grip, straight double-edged blade, and naturally aged surface oxidation from antiquity.
Ancient Luristan iron short sword from Western Iran dating to circa 750–650 BCE, shown in full with its straight blade and lion-head disc pommel.
Close-up of the lion-head disc pommel on an Iron Age Luristan sword, highlighting its sculptural form and ancient surface patina.
Detailed view of the ribbed iron grip on a Luristan short sword, showing preserved craftsmanship from the 8th–7th century BCE.
Side view of an ancient Iranian iron sword with a double-edged blade, ribbed handle, and naturally oxidized archaeological surface.
Close-up of the upper blade and hilt of a Luristan iron short sword, displaying corrosion and patina consistent with significant age.
Ancient Near Eastern iron weapon from Luristan featuring a straight blade and distinctive lion-form pommel associated with strength and protection.
Full-length view of a circa 750–650 BCE Luristan short sword measuring approximately 20.5 inches long with preserved original proportions.
Detailed photograph of an Iron Age Luristan sword showing its lion-head pommel, ribbed grip, double-edged blade, and centuries-old oxidation.
Archaeologists uncover ancient short sword partially buried in desert excavation site — real historical weapon discovery featured by Relic and Rarity.
  • Ancient Luristan iron short sword from Western Iran, circa 750–650 BCE, featuring a lion-head disc pommel, ribbed grip, and straight double-edged blade. Iron Age weapon with natural patina and surface oxidization, reflecting Luristan metallurgical skill, ceremonial significance, and martial artistry.
  • Video showing an ancient Luristan iron short sword from Western Iran, dating to circa 750–650 BCE, with a lion-head disc pommel, ribbed grip, straight double-edged blade, and naturally aged surface oxidation from antiquity.
  • Ancient Luristan iron short sword from Western Iran dating to circa 750–650 BCE, shown in full with its straight blade and lion-head disc pommel.
  • Close-up of the lion-head disc pommel on an Iron Age Luristan sword, highlighting its sculptural form and ancient surface patina.
  • Detailed view of the ribbed iron grip on a Luristan short sword, showing preserved craftsmanship from the 8th–7th century BCE.
  • Side view of an ancient Iranian iron sword with a double-edged blade, ribbed handle, and naturally oxidized archaeological surface.
  • Close-up of the upper blade and hilt of a Luristan iron short sword, displaying corrosion and patina consistent with significant age.
  • Ancient Near Eastern iron weapon from Luristan featuring a straight blade and distinctive lion-form pommel associated with strength and protection.
  • Full-length view of a circa 750–650 BCE Luristan short sword measuring approximately 20.5 inches long with preserved original proportions.
  • Detailed photograph of an Iron Age Luristan sword showing its lion-head pommel, ribbed grip, double-edged blade, and centuries-old oxidation.
  • Archaeologists uncover ancient short sword partially buried in desert excavation site — real historical weapon discovery featured by Relic and Rarity.
Ancient Luristan iron short sword from Western Iran, circa 750–650 BCE, featuring a lion-head disc pommel, ribbed grip, and straight double-edged blade. Iron Age weapon with natural patina and surface oxidization, reflecting Luristan metallurgical skill, ceremonial significance, and martial artistry.
Video showing an ancient Luristan iron short sword from Western Iran, dating to circa 750–650 BCE, with a lion-head disc pommel, ribbed grip, straight double-edged blade, and naturally aged surface oxidation from antiquity.
Ancient Luristan iron short sword from Western Iran dating to circa 750–650 BCE, shown in full with its straight blade and lion-head disc pommel.
Close-up of the lion-head disc pommel on an Iron Age Luristan sword, highlighting its sculptural form and ancient surface patina.
Detailed view of the ribbed iron grip on a Luristan short sword, showing preserved craftsmanship from the 8th–7th century BCE.
Side view of an ancient Iranian iron sword with a double-edged blade, ribbed handle, and naturally oxidized archaeological surface.
Close-up of the upper blade and hilt of a Luristan iron short sword, displaying corrosion and patina consistent with significant age.
Ancient Near Eastern iron weapon from Luristan featuring a straight blade and distinctive lion-form pommel associated with strength and protection.
Full-length view of a circa 750–650 BCE Luristan short sword measuring approximately 20.5 inches long with preserved original proportions.
Detailed photograph of an Iron Age Luristan sword showing its lion-head pommel, ribbed grip, double-edged blade, and centuries-old oxidation.
Archaeologists uncover ancient short sword partially buried in desert excavation site — real historical weapon discovery featured by Relic and Rarity.
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Luristan Iron Short Sword | Ancient Near Eastern Weapon | 750–650 BCE

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Luristan, Western Iran (Ancient Near East)
Material: Iron
Period: Circa 750–650 BCE (Iron Age)

Description

This Luristan Iron Short Sword (circa 750–650 BCE) exemplifies the Iron Age craftsmanship of ancient Luristan in Western Iran. Measuring approximately 20.5 inches in length, the sword features a lion-head disc pommel, a powerful symbol of strength and protection, complemented by a ribbed grip that combines both functional design and artistic refinement. Despite its ancient origins, this sword retains its original form and proportions, offering a rare glimpse into the martial and ceremonial traditions of the Ancient Near East.

Features

- Lion-head disc pommel symbolizing strength, authority, and divine protection

- Ribbed grip designed for secure handling with aesthetic refinement

- Straight double-edged blade with surviving proportions

- Natural patina and surface oxidization highlighting its ancient age and authenticity

Cultural Significance

During the Iron Age, Luristan was a hub of metallurgical innovation, producing weapons that were both functional and symbolic. Swords such as this were carried by warriors and used in ceremonial settings. The lion motif reflects themes of dominance, divine protection, and social status within Luristan society. This sword connects its bearer to the cultural and martial legacy of one of the Ancient Near East’s most advanced civilizations.

Condition

Good antique condition with surface oxidation and corrosion from centuries of burial. Structurally stable, with all key features—especially the lion-head pommel and ribbed grip—clearly preserved.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Length: 20.5 in

Age (Approximate)

2,675–2,775 years old

Provenance 

Ex-private collection of Martin B. Retting, noted early collector and founder of the longstanding Southern California arms dealership Martin B. Retting, Inc.; subsequently in the collection of a private Los Angeles, California arms-and-armour dealer.

Learn More

Read the scholarly study Bronze and Iron Weapons from Luristan

Examine the research Absolute Dating of Early Iron Objects from the Ancient Orient from Cambridge University

From our blog: The Luristan Iron Short Sword – Legacy of a Warrior

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Luristan, Western Iran (Ancient Near East)
Material: Iron
Period: Circa 750–650 BCE (Iron Age)

Description

This Luristan Iron Short Sword (circa 750–650 BCE) exemplifies the Iron Age craftsmanship of ancient Luristan in Western Iran. Measuring approximately 20.5 inches in length, the sword features a lion-head disc pommel, a powerful symbol of strength and protection, complemented by a ribbed grip that combines both functional design and artistic refinement. Despite its ancient origins, this sword retains its original form and proportions, offering a rare glimpse into the martial and ceremonial traditions of the Ancient Near East.

Features

- Lion-head disc pommel symbolizing strength, authority, and divine protection

- Ribbed grip designed for secure handling with aesthetic refinement

- Straight double-edged blade with surviving proportions

- Natural patina and surface oxidization highlighting its ancient age and authenticity

Cultural Significance

During the Iron Age, Luristan was a hub of metallurgical innovation, producing weapons that were both functional and symbolic. Swords such as this were carried by warriors and used in ceremonial settings. The lion motif reflects themes of dominance, divine protection, and social status within Luristan society. This sword connects its bearer to the cultural and martial legacy of one of the Ancient Near East’s most advanced civilizations.

Condition

Good antique condition with surface oxidation and corrosion from centuries of burial. Structurally stable, with all key features—especially the lion-head pommel and ribbed grip—clearly preserved.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Length: 20.5 in

Age (Approximate)

2,675–2,775 years old

Provenance 

Ex-private collection of Martin B. Retting, noted early collector and founder of the longstanding Southern California arms dealership Martin B. Retting, Inc.; subsequently in the collection of a private Los Angeles, California arms-and-armour dealer.

Learn More

Read the scholarly study Bronze and Iron Weapons from Luristan

Examine the research Absolute Dating of Early Iron Objects from the Ancient Orient from Cambridge University

From our blog: The Luristan Iron Short Sword – Legacy of a Warrior

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