3rd-7th century AD. An iron sousser long-sword in its scabbard (wooden traces visible to the blade's surface); the blade slender and long (64cm tip to grip), two-edged and parallel-sided, lentoid in section with small rounded tip; two sheet-silver rectangular sleeves at the mouth and mid-point, each with rolled edges and a P-shaped lateral panel with suspension fitting for attachment to the sword belt (goti); similarly formed lower guard formed to slide behind the bow of the P-shaped panel, with rolled edges; tubular grip in two sections with bosses to the outer face; conical pommel with incised rosette detailing. Cf. Khorasani, M.M. Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, p.84-95. 906 grams, 77.5cm overall (30 1/2"). From the collection of a North London gentleman; acquired in the 1980s. Accompanied by a positive metallurgic analytical report, written by Metallurgist Dr. Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford. The sword is of standard early Sassanian type depicted on rock carvings at e.g. Ardeshir, Shapur and Bahram but not well represented in the archaeological record. Influences on sword design include local Parthian traditions, earlier Assyrian weaponry, Scythian akenakes swords and even contact with Han Dynasty China (206 BC-220 AD) or cultures influenced by them. Fine condition, some restoration. Rare.