What exactly is this?

[shangrila]

Does anybody ever see this thing in museum or book ? :rolleyes:

[FenrisWolf]

Never seen one before, but it looks like a dagger hilt, and for some reason my hindbrain said "Aztec?" as the source of inspiration. I presume it's gold?

Fenris

[Tim Simmons]

They could be interlaced dragons, warring states 5th century B.C, China? Gold ceremonial sword hilt?

[katana]

Hi Shangrila,
I must admit my first reaction is Aztec/Mayan styled, the snake was worshipped in their mythology.....and I can see scales. As Tim has said...or dragons :shrug: Is it yours? Could you post a close-up of the 'hilt' ?

[Battara]

Yes I have seen this before, it is an ancient golden Chinese dagger/sword hilt.

Tim got it on the first try (Good on you mate!) :)

[shangrila]

It's supposed to be a hilt coming from Eastern Zhou dynasty, 6th-5th century BC. :eek: Now it's maybe in NY Museum, one guy says.