From an old German collection!
This terrific C European artifact is a chisel
with median expansion, lozenge-shaped.
German name "Knickwand" or "Knickrand".
Belonging to the Early Central European Bronze Age.
The chisel does not have a completely straight shaft. It starts narrow at the butt (the striking end), widens continuously towards the middle—where the outer edges form a distinct angle—and tapers again towards the cutting edge. This geometry serves a functional purpose. The lozenge-shaped expansion in the center acts as a built-in stop. When the chisel was inserted into a haft (a wooden or bone handle), the wide middle section prevented the metal tool from being driven deeper into the wood by heavy blows and splitting the handle.

The Bronze Age, evolving out of the preceding Chalcolithic period, is a fascinating moment of evolution with important economic and social changes as metallurgy develops, while stone implements are still being used and made. Mining expands with ensuing contacts and commercialization; fire is mastered and a new class of metalworkers emerges. Most of the production is composed of tools and weapons such as celts, axes, spearheads, daggers and swords; personal ornaments such as bracelets, fibulas, torques are also made in considerable quantity. Parallel with the above, gold was sought after and beautifully fashioned, in part to answer the demands of a new warrior aristocracy. The Bronze Age smith was particularly sensitive to line and form as exemplified by his production. The chronology of this period is somewhat in flux and arbitrary, though many dates are based on sound contexts from excavation. The divisions between the Early, Middle and Late Bronze Age differ according to countries and schools of thought.
The Bronze Age is part of the three-age system for prehistoric societies.
In that system, it follows the Stone Age and is followed by the Iron Age.
A really impressing artifact from a great period.
Provenance is an old German collection.
More details will follow the artifact.
I guarantee absolutely for the authenticity.
Please view also my other auctions with
relics from the European Prehistory.