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Originally Posted by Tim Simmons
The 19th and early 20th century spear blade are quite distinctive. You will know one when you see it and grab it. I am of the opinion that there are possibly 3 stages in seme form. The earliest are long and thin with a good temper and forging, can be used in a fast manner. Then I think they remained long and got quite a bit heavier. Perhaps slightly clumsy forging relying more on force of weight. Then finally the size of seme we see today. which can be short sword to large knife size again I think the early versions are forged and superseded by reground machete blades. This is just my " opinion" from collecting observation and handling examples.
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Thank you for your reply Tim, I agree with you regarding the early form of the Seme and much more elegant than the later forms. Our local museum had a beautiful example many years ago when as a child of about 8 yrs old I used to visit two or three times a week. It contained all manner of weapons and artefacts and was like an Aladdin's cave to me and my friends and was one of the reasons for my interest in Ethnographic arms artefacts. I missed my opportunity about 30 years ago at an arms fair when I rejected one I spotted on a stand due to it being stuck in its scabbard.
Your opinion of them having 3 stages in their form is interesting and plausible I think. Thanks again.
Miguel