What On Earth Pt. 2

[Tim Simmons]

Yeah I see it could be Chinese. The square guard and the circle element to the blade, the use of copper wire not unusual either. I have been searching for pictures to relate to an African origin but have not found what I am looking for. Except for a Ghanian parade sword the same size with a kinked blade but really quite different in overall design.

My wife insisted on getting a new puppy dog. It has eaten two of my books, each would now cost over £100 to replace which I cannot see my ability to do so. She does not seem to understood how cross I am. :

[fearn]

Hi Tim,

Well, you now have a puppy worth over £100, and/or a wife who now knows what to get you at the next holiday. It does suck. My parents lost an *old* Navajo blanket the same way, before they clued in and put the treasures out of reach of little teethers.

If you're desperate, maybe we can take up a collection to replace your treasures.

Hi Jim,

I've seen that circle cross symbol cut into the sides of Chinese daos, and I'm waiting for Gav to come up with a reference. I think they're an allusion to the "Coin swords" used as feng shui talismans (swords made out of old coins and red cord, to drive away whatever-it-is).

Best,

F

[katana]

Hi Tim,
there is a spray that deters 'little knowledge eaters' ....I believe it is safe on paper etc. .....might be worth a try.

Hi Fearn,
all the Chinese coins I can find pictures of have a singular hole...usually square. Also pictured below is a coin sword 18thC-19thC British museum.....again notice the singular hole

"....Coin-swords were a form of talisman used in southern China to ward off evil influences, especially those causing fever. They were made by tying together 'cash' (the pidgin term for Chinese coins with a square hole in the middle) on to an iron rod......"



Regards David

[Gavin Nugent]

I will dig through my image files to find some other examples, I know I have at least one spear image on file but have seen dozens of others with this coin motif.
You will not find any coins actually looking like this but the symbol as far as my understanding goes is that it is a "lucky" coin motif that is a symbol of luck, wealth and prosperity. I have a sword with this motif in the balde, another on hold and also a stunning pair of Huediadao with these symbols in the blades too, both can be seen in my personal gallery displays. I'll post these images too shortly.
One interesting point I must note though is that most spear heads I have encountered had a socket over the shaft but like most good pole arms with weighty blades they did also have varients with tangs supported by a secondry outer sleeve and rivits through the shaft as seen in the large yanyuedao I showed some time back. This to me with the square cup guard is one such example that had a tang and was riveted to the shaft.

I'll update with images when I return home this evening.

Gav

PS, I see a clear inserted edge in the third image, not something I would ever expect to see out of Africa, well at least with as much precision.