An ancient Roman bronze folding knife handle with owl of Minerva

Roman bronze folding knife, consisting of a cast handle in the form of a stylised owl and an originally iron blade (now largely corroded away). The handle is executed in the round and depicts an owl with large, circular eyes and a curved beak. The bird stands on a rectangular base, the front of which is decorated with an engraved leaf or branch motif. The lower part of the handle contains the slot and attachment point for the blade.

In the Roman world, the owl was commonly associated with wisdom and vigilance and may be linked to the goddess Minerva. Folding knives of this type were personal, multifunctional objects used in everyday life.

The object displays an authentic multicoloured green and dark brown patina, with traces of burial-related corrosion consistent with prolonged deposition in the soil. The bronze is otherwise well preserved, and the sculptural details remain clearly visible. The knife is shown from multiple angles, highlighting the three-dimensional quality of the handle.

Material: Bronze
Weight: 34 gram
Date: Roman, 1st – 3rd century AD
Measurement: overall: 55 x 15 mm
Condition: Good, Traces of age

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