Spear forn ID

Andy Stevens · 3rd December 2007, 08:07 AM

Hello all, just never been sure about this one, cheap price at a boot sale so not worried if its a bit naff! I rather like it, seems well made. The blade is 32cm long,5.5 wide at its fullest. The socket is 17cm in length and as the pictures show, covered in nicely done brass work. The butt piece is 12cm long. Overall length is 172cm. Thanks.

Tim Simmons · 3rd December 2007, 07:16 PM

Well it is African. I have had a think on this one which displays many classic styles all in one. IMHO, I do not think this is South Sudanese or Islamic Sudanese. The rib in the blade can be found all over east Africa but because of the wire work and the bare halt I feel this may be from further south. Quite possibly as South as Shona and surrounding areas. I have seen slightly broader spear blades without the rib on plain yellow colour wood hafts with a carved butt that are from more Southern Africa. It looks like a really super car boot find A3? I have not found a weapon for some time.

Andy Stevens · 4th December 2007, 12:27 PM

Hello Tim, yes it was from the A3, although a good few years past. I've only found a few good bits this year, maybe the supply of horded, old weapons is coming to an end? E-bay hasn't had much to tempt me of late, thats for sure!
Interesting you suggest Shona as a possible area of origin, as i have often thought the brass wire work similar to a Shina axe, that I used to own (sadly forced to sell for a tax bill)

Whatever it be, I like it. Thanks for the info. Just out of interest, do you pick much up at your local all weather boot sale? Be safe.

3rd December 2007, 08:07 AM	#1
Andy Stevens Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London Posts: 155	Spear forn ID Hello all, just never been sure about this one, cheap price at a boot sale so not worried if its a bit naff! I rather like it, seems well made. The blade is 32cm long,5.5 wide at its fullest. The socket is 17cm in length and as the pictures show, covered in nicely done brass work. The butt piece is 12cm long. Overall length is 172cm. Thanks. Attached Images

3rd December 2007, 07:16 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Well it is African. I have had a think on this one which displays many classic styles all in one. IMHO, I do not think this is South Sudanese or Islamic Sudanese. The rib in the blade can be found all over east Africa but because of the wire work and the bare halt I feel this may be from further south. Quite possibly as South as Shona and surrounding areas. I have seen slightly broader spear blades without the rib on plain yellow colour wood hafts with a carved butt that are from more Southern Africa. It looks like a really super car boot find A3? I have not found a weapon for some time.

4th December 2007, 12:27 PM	#3
Andy Stevens Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London Posts: 155	Hello Tim, yes it was from the A3, although a good few years past. I've only found a few good bits this year, maybe the supply of horded, old weapons is coming to an end? E-bay hasn't had much to tempt me of late, thats for sure! Interesting you suggest Shona as a possible area of origin, as i have often thought the brass wire work similar to a Shina axe, that I used to own (sadly forced to sell for a tax bill) Whatever it be, I like it. Thanks for the info. Just out of interest, do you pick much up at your local all weather boot sale? Be safe.