Tetela Dagger For Comment

Lew · 21st March 2010, 11:47 PM

Just got back from the Timonium show I had a great time. I was able to pick up this nice Tetela dagger. It is about 11"-12" overall with a lovely mint condition blade. I think part or all of the hilt was covered in copper sheet if not the hilt the spike definately had one. Comments welcome.

VANDOO · 22nd March 2010, 07:51 PM

I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED THIS TYPE OF DAGGER BECAUSE OF ITS DESIGN AND FUNCTIONS. THEY HAVE A THICK SUBSTANTIAL BLADE AND BACK SPIKE , THE HANDLE GRIP IS DESIGNED SO THE HAND WILL NOT SLIP INTO THE BLADE OR SPIKE REGARDLESS OF WHICH ONE YOU STRIKE WITH. THESE ARE ESPECIALLY GOOD FOR CLOSE IN FIGHTING AS YOU CAN GET THEM COMMING OR GOING AND THE SPIKE WILL PENETRATE LIGHT ARMOR OR BONE EASILY. PRETTY TO LOOK AT AND HOLD BUT VERY EFFECIENT IN CLOSE COMBAT. NICE ONE.
PERHAPS SOMEONE WILL ELABORATE OR POST SOME PICTURES FROM TIMONIUM FOR THOSE OF US NOT ABLE TO ATTEND.

Lew · 24th March 2010, 12:18 PM

A forum member sent me a pic of a similar dagger for comparison. The spike on his is covered in steel so Vandoo was correct this more a combat piece than a ceremonial dagger.

Luc LEFEBVRE · 24th March 2010, 03:03 PM

Some others to help you (from museum).

Lew · 24th March 2010, 04:36 PM

Luc

Thanks for the pics. I am having the spike cover restored should I use copper or steel sheet metal on it?

Flavio · 24th March 2010, 04:43 PM

Ciao Lew (you have to learn speak italian

)

I think that it's impossible to know if on your there was iron or copper, so.... it's up to you to choose what do you prefer

All the best
Flavio

Luc LEFEBVRE · 24th March 2010, 11:58 PM

Flavio is right, I think it's better to let it like that.

katana · 26th March 2010, 12:00 PM

Hi Lew,
personally I would go with steel/iron , to get a more authentic look, the sheet metal should be 'hammered' ....as modern sheet would be too uniform. Unfortunately hammering 'cold' sheet will 'work harden' the metal, making it more brittle....so before trying to form the sheet into a cone (to fit the spike)....the hammered piece needs to be annealed....ie heating to a 'dull red' colour and then left to cool slowly, this makes the steel more ductile whilst retaining its strength.
Copper sheet will also work harden if hammered and would need similar treatment.

All the best

David

21st March 2010, 11:47 PM	#1
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Tetela Dagger For Comment Just got back from the Timonium show I had a great time. I was able to pick up this nice Tetela dagger. It is about 11"-12" overall with a lovely mint condition blade. I think part or all of the hilt was covered in copper sheet if not the hilt the spike definately had one. Comments welcome. Attached Images

24th March 2010, 12:18 PM	#3
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	A forum member sent me a pic of a similar dagger for comparison. The spike on his is covered in steel so Vandoo was correct this more a combat piece than a ceremonial dagger. Attached Images

24th March 2010, 03:03 PM	#4
Luc LEFEBVRE Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: France Posts: 472	Some others to help you (from museum). Attached Images

22nd March 2010, 07:51 PM	#2
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED THIS TYPE OF DAGGER BECAUSE OF ITS DESIGN AND FUNCTIONS. THEY HAVE A THICK SUBSTANTIAL BLADE AND BACK SPIKE , THE HANDLE GRIP IS DESIGNED SO THE HAND WILL NOT SLIP INTO THE BLADE OR SPIKE REGARDLESS OF WHICH ONE YOU STRIKE WITH. THESE ARE ESPECIALLY GOOD FOR CLOSE IN FIGHTING AS YOU CAN GET THEM COMMING OR GOING AND THE SPIKE WILL PENETRATE LIGHT ARMOR OR BONE EASILY. PRETTY TO LOOK AT AND HOLD BUT VERY EFFECIENT IN CLOSE COMBAT. NICE ONE. PERHAPS SOMEONE WILL ELABORATE OR POST SOME PICTURES FROM TIMONIUM FOR THOSE OF US NOT ABLE TO ATTEND.

24th March 2010, 04:36 PM	#5
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Luc Thanks for the pics. I am having the spike cover restored should I use copper or steel sheet metal on it?

24th March 2010, 04:43 PM	#6
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	Ciao Lew (you have to learn speak italian ) I think that it's impossible to know if on your there was iron or copper, so.... it's up to you to choose what do you prefer All the best Flavio

24th March 2010, 11:58 PM	#7
Luc LEFEBVRE Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: France Posts: 472	Flavio is right, I think it's better to let it like that.

26th March 2010, 12:00 PM	#8
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Hi Lew, personally I would go with steel/iron , to get a more authentic look, the sheet metal should be 'hammered' ....as modern sheet would be too uniform. Unfortunately hammering 'cold' sheet will 'work harden' the metal, making it more brittle....so before trying to form the sheet into a cone (to fit the spike)....the hammered piece needs to be annealed....ie heating to a 'dull red' colour and then left to cool slowly, this makes the steel more ductile whilst retaining its strength. Copper sheet will also work harden if hammered and would need similar treatment. All the best David