I just purchased this, and was told it dated from the copper age, approx. 3000 b.c. It's 6.5 inches in length, and non-magnetic. Can anyone, based on the design and age, give me a clue as to its place of origin? Can anyone point me in the right direction to find out anything more about it?
Can I give you any more info about it that might help in its identification?
Thanks, and I look forward to becoming a productive part of this forum.

---

 Attachment: 51.39 KB
[ Download ]

Greetings,

Hi! I just wanted to say welcome to this forum, but sadly I have no advice, or wisdom to give you, though I wish you the best of luck! Cheers!

Best regards,

Barrett Michael Hiebert

If it is non-metallic, what is it made of?
mark

Possibly is it an "east-alpine" (means the area from Autria to the Carpathian basin, with Slovenia, Northern Croatia and Hungary) bronze knife, (1000 - 900BC).

Yup, most likely eastern Europe, as that's where most bronze age artifacts come from these days. I must recommend against collecting these artifacts, as they are being excavated illegally, which results in the destruction of important ancient sites. For artifacts of this period, it's best to stick to collecting reproductions and admire the originals in museums :)

Wow, I had no idea these were being excavated illegally.
Based on the design (tip up, short tang, VERY thin edge and comparitively thick spine) I figured it might have been a filet knife of some kind.
Also, is there any way to distinguish copper from bronze without necessarily cleaning it?

This is a knife-form from the later bronze age - non alloyed copper blades was definetily "out" at this era! :cool: