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Lot 735
A Greek Kopis Short Sword from the Time of Alexander the Great. Greek iron deepeeka falcata "kopis" sword, with a heavy single-edged blade widening towards the point, multiple fullers on both sides; the tang with several holes, retaining some of the bronze rivets that held the bone grip plates, now lacking. Restored with minor replacements. L. 14 1/8 in. (36 cm.).
The Greek 'Kopis' short sword was perhaps the last line of defense for the ancient Greek warrior, be he cavalryman, infantryman or any soldier on the field of battle. Indeed Alexander the Great, perhaps the most famous and successful conqueror in history, preferred this weapon. Made for close-in combat, the kopis was designed to do what its Greek name 'koptus' implies: to cut. It was the ultimate fighting weapon and Alexander used it to conquer the known world when this fighting sword was produced circa 340 BC.
This is the ultimate ancient killing machine built into a short sword capable of being used in man-to-man combat. With its wrap-around grip designed to keep the weapon in the warrior's hand, the kopis was typically 20 inches in length, with a sharpened concave blade like this. The kopis is depicted in ancient Greek vase paintings as being in a hero's hand, striking down the aggressor. The kopis was so successful as the weapon of choice that it made its way all across the Greek Isles and, much to the consternation of Alexander the Great, to his enemies, the Persians. This is an excellent example of one of the weapons used to conquer the known, ancient world.
Rare; even the famous collection of Ancient Weapons collected by the late Axel Gutman did not have a Kopis sword.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
Ex Royal Athena Gallery, German collection, 5th-3rd century B.C.
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| Realized $10,200 |
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