Is this a mythrian sword?!?

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by skyshark, Jul 5, 2023.

  1. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    I know of no evidence of the existence of Mithraic swords.

    There is a post on pinterest suggesting that a presumed gold sword from Hindu Kush could possibly be Mithraic. The poster based this on his assumption that the hilt is a bull's head with a snake, but that is pure speculation. I don't see a bull's head in his photo, and snake imagery on swords and daggers is common. The poster sounds very excited but not very knowledgeable.

    There are many Mithraic images of Gods killing bulls with daggers or swords. However, there is no evidence of mortals copying their Gods in ritual. Ritual acts in general didn't play a great part in Mithraism.
    The Roman Mithras cult was largely a soldier's cult. As @2manybooks said, Roman swords are different.

    To me this sword looks like a replica, or inspired by ancient swords much older than Roman times.
    It doesn't look Roman, and it doesn't look like an archaeological bronze to me. The photo 2many posted is of an archaeological bronze, I hope you can see the difference.

    People in the Middle East have to make a living. They have known for a long time that Westerners love the thrill of owning ancient art, and there is money to be made, especially if there is a good story as well. Many ancient sites were looted, especially in Luristan, Iran. But there are also many replicas that are sold as upmarket souvenirs. Some people sell these replicas as the real deal, and there is of course a fakes 'industry'.

    The good thing is, and I hope that can bring you some relief, it wasn't looted from an ancient site or from a museum that was ransacked by so-called IS.
     
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2023
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  2. skyshark

    skyshark Active Member

    During my time in Iraq I most definitely saw the amount of knock of name brand anything and everything they will try and sell you. I am absolutely under no delusion this stuff might not be "real".

    With that said, the amount of stuff I have.. idk.. my dad also has an insane amount of loose gems and jewlry that was shipped to him and I've been getting the gems authenticated... definitely a ton on costume prieces, but tons of natural crazy gems.

    The Mithras idea was not mine. I believed they were greek/scythian/or Roman. Scythian because of the animals depicted. I'll post a pic of a few of them on here later. I was a Soldier, I loveeee swords. The feel of these swords. If a fake or forgery, best damn fake sword I've everrr seen. Who ever forged these should get into making "real" sword
     
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  3. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    They probably make more money this way.;)
     
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  4. skyshark

    skyshark Active Member

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  5. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    my dad also has an insane amount of loose gems and jewlry that was shipped to him and I've been getting the gems authenticated... definitely a ton on costume prieces, but tons of natural crazy gems................

    do u have a gem tester......good ones sold on line are fairly priced...

    that would help sort the wheat from the chaff ...

    would luv to see a sample of what you have there on the Jewelry Forum.......as would we all !!!

    Costume jewelry may have more value than u suspect ......and gem stones come in a wide variety of grades....... and origins..
     
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  6. skyshark

    skyshark Active Member

    Ya I have a presidium gem tester. It's nothing fancy but it helps me sort the real stones from fake. I'll post a few pics in the jewelry section soon. I'm actually getting all of it valuated and tested soon for estate purposes.
     
  7. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    are those written appraisals ??

    for insurance purposes..? .......ie , replacement value....

    or....current market value.......

    there are large differences....

    I once paid a grand for a gold , diamond, & sapphire ring...with a COA appraisal for 7 grand !

    the only way that will ever be worth 7 grand is if I insure it for 7, and my wife has it stolen at gun point !!
     
  8. skyshark

    skyshark Active Member

    I'm the executor of my parents estate. I believe I'm getting a fair market value on them so they can be submitted to probate court. I believe that will save me money on taxes having it valued and inherited rather than pure capital gain later on.

    But yes, written documents produced on them.
     
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