Fijian Ula?

Jerseyman · 5th September 2016, 01:00 PM

A recent acquisition. The dealer had it listed as a knobkerrie, but my instinct is that it's an Ula. Would be delighted if the experts could confirm one way or the other.

The patina is much darker and even than it looks in the photos. The upper shaft has a pleasing, subtle, diagonal tiger-stripe effect of dark/golden when angled in the light. The hand-grip carving is very worn compared to a lot I've seen. There is a random sequence of punched dots on the shaft, the pommel and the head. There are also, for want of a better word, wrinkles (not cracks) on the side of the head that seem to go with the grain.

What looks like white dust in the grip carving is simply light reflection.

It's not large, so perhaps a hunting version?

All thoughts welcome.

Dimensions

Length - 15.75in/400mm
Shaft width base - 1in/26mm
Shaft width mid - 0.8in/22mm
Shaft width top - 1.75in/44mm
Length head - 3in/76mm
Width head base - 3in/76mm
Weight - 1lb2oz/500g

VANDOO · 5th September 2016, 03:03 PM

I WOULD AGREE WITH YOUR ASSESSMENT OF THIS CLUB. THE SIZE AND WEIGHT WOULD BE GOOD FOR HUNTING SMALL GAME BUT A BIT LIGHT FOR WARFARE. BUT IT WOULD LIKELY HAVE BEEN THROWN IN WAR IF IT WAS ON HAND. CONGRATULATIONS A NICE OLD FIJI CLUB.

Sajen · 5th September 2016, 03:42 PM

Agree with Barry, nice club!

Regards,
Detlef

kronckew · 5th September 2016, 04:24 PM

mottled wood grain reminds me of palm wood. too short for a so. african knobkerry. and they were not usually carved in the pommel end/grip area, and had the end swelling gradually in diameter. head is subtly the wrong shape for a knobby.

ULA for sure. and in the current market, worth a bunch more.

Shakethetrees · 6th September 2016, 05:01 AM

I love the wear on the grip!

5th September 2016, 01:00 PM	#1
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	Fijian Ula? A recent acquisition. The dealer had it listed as a knobkerrie, but my instinct is that it's an Ula. Would be delighted if the experts could confirm one way or the other. The patina is much darker and even than it looks in the photos. The upper shaft has a pleasing, subtle, diagonal tiger-stripe effect of dark/golden when angled in the light. The hand-grip carving is very worn compared to a lot I've seen. There is a random sequence of punched dots on the shaft, the pommel and the head. There are also, for want of a better word, wrinkles (not cracks) on the side of the head that seem to go with the grain. What looks like white dust in the grip carving is simply light reflection. It's not large, so perhaps a hunting version? All thoughts welcome. Dimensions Length - 15.75in/400mm Shaft width base - 1in/26mm Shaft width mid - 0.8in/22mm Shaft width top - 1.75in/44mm Length head - 3in/76mm Width head base - 3in/76mm Weight - 1lb2oz/500g Attached Images

5th September 2016, 03:03 PM	#2
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	I WOULD AGREE WITH YOUR ASSESSMENT OF THIS CLUB. THE SIZE AND WEIGHT WOULD BE GOOD FOR HUNTING SMALL GAME BUT A BIT LIGHT FOR WARFARE. BUT IT WOULD LIKELY HAVE BEEN THROWN IN WAR IF IT WAS ON HAND. CONGRATULATIONS A NICE OLD FIJI CLUB.

5th September 2016, 03:42 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,125	Agree with Barry, nice club! Regards, Detlef

5th September 2016, 04:24 PM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,205	mottled wood grain reminds me of palm wood. too short for a so. african knobkerry. and they were not usually carved in the pommel end/grip area, and had the end swelling gradually in diameter. head is subtly the wrong shape for a knobby. ULA for sure. and in the current market, worth a bunch more.

6th September 2016, 05:01 AM	#5
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	I love the wear on the grip!