Hi Greg,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This spear point does resemble weapons or spearheads from the Bronze Age Near East, particularly those attributed to Luristan (northwestern Iran, circa 1200–800 BCE). The green corrosion and bronze alloy appearance are consistent with excavated Luristan bronzes (though this can be faked); the distinct raised central ridge (or midrib) running along the blade is a common strengthening feature in Luristan spearheads and the tang (the projection at the base with a hole) suggests attachment to a wooden shaft, typical of early Luristan and neighboring cultures’ spears and daggers though the rectangular tang with a single rivet hole is somewhat plainer than the more elaborate Luristan socketed or double-riveted examples.

If this was acquired from a dealer, you might ask to see if they did a materials analysis as Luristan bronzes have specific tin–copper ratios and sometimes traces of arsenic or lead. Another way to authenticate this is to note that Luristan bronzes were typically cast in one piece using clay molds, with visible casting seams.

Perhaps most importantly, did the dealer you got this from give you any information on where they acquired it? Asking only because the provenance can be a critical part of the value and if this were determined to have been stolen or obtained illegally, there could be penalties for owning and/or trying to sell it.

Assuming this is all original, other authentic Luristan spear heads of comparable age that have sold at auction in the past few years have sold for prices ranging from $200-500, though the extremely plain design of yours (and heavy oxidation) will keep the value below $400

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An ancient Luristan bronze spear point
Iran, 1200-800 BCE
With triangular head and tang, the blade with raised midrib.
13-1/2-inches overall length
CONDITION: Heavily oxidized
PROVENANCE: Acquired from a gallery or dealer
$ 200-400*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia