Exceptional paired offering of two highly scarce Ancient Egyptian Old Kingdom copper tools, dating to approximately 2600–2180 BC, representing authentic utilitarian implements from one of the most significant periods of early Egyptian civilization. Crafted from copper or early copper alloy, these tools reflect the technological realities of the era, when copper served as the primary workable metal prior to the widespread adoption of bronze.
The Old Kingdom marked the height of Egypt’s earliest architectural and engineering achievements, including the construction of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara and the monumental Great Pyramids of Giza. Functional tools such as these would have been essential in quarrying operations, shaping limestone construction materials, and maintaining the vast labor systems required for royal building projects. Because copper was routinely melted down and repurposed in antiquity, surviving functional examples from this era are exceptionally scarce, with far fewer surviving than ceremonial objects or fragmentary remains.
This combined offering includes two separate Old Kingdom copper tools, both exhibiting heavy oxidation, mineralization, and surface wear consistent with extreme antiquity and prolonged functional use. One example measures approximately 9.5 x 2 inches and is noted as broken across the handle but complete, while the second measures approximately 4.75 x 4.75 inches and remains complete with similarly pitted age-related surfaces. Both pieces originate from the respected William Ashby Collection.
Highlights
• Ancient Egyptian Old Kingdom, circa 2600–2180 BC
• Group of two copper or early copper alloy tools
• Provenance: William Ashby Collection
• Rare surviving functional implements from ancient Egypt
Condition
Both tools exhibit substantial oxidation, mineralization, pitting, and surface wear consistent with extreme age and archaeological preservation. The larger example is broken across the handle but remains complete as recovered. The smaller example remains complete with similarly aged surfaces throughout.
A remarkably scarce paired offering of authentic Old Kingdom Egyptian utilitarian artifacts, ideal for collectors of antiquities, early metallurgy, and museum-worthy ancient material.
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