African Knife/Sword With Copper Wire Work

Tim Simmons · 21st February 2010, 05:55 PM

Very cool, more than makes up for the recent bad buy. You lucky chap.

Freddy · 21st February 2010, 07:21 PM

Yep, you hit the jackpot !

Here is a pic of a similar piece from the book 'Fatal Beauty - Traditional Weapons from Central Africa', Taiwan exhibition 2009

Robert · 21st February 2010, 07:53 PM

Tim and Freddy,
Thank you both for the pictures and kind words and yes, I do feel much better now after that horrible klewang incident.

Now I can't wait for it to get here. Still, would anyone care to offer a guess on the age of this piece?

I know with the terrible picture it would be hard if not impossible to be very accurate but just an idea would be nice. Thanks again.

Robert

Freddy · 21st February 2010, 08:10 PM

It's hard to tell the age of an African piece. The one I showed from the book is documented. The author states that it came from the collection of the Fathers Capuchins from Antwerp (Belgium) with as collection date : between 1880-1920.

I doubt that your piece is as old, but it probably dates from the 50's or 60's. In the beginning of the sixties Congo became independent and a lot of colonists returned to their homecountry, bringing with them these jewels.

I wouldn't ask the seller for more info as he gives the wrong continent as place of origin.

Luc LEFEBVRE · 22nd February 2010, 11:14 PM

Yes very good !
A nice example with the scabbard (rare).
Surely beginning of the 20th.
There is also a copper model.

Luc LEFEBVRE · 23rd February 2010, 12:09 AM

The model of the book "Fatal Beauty" (Freddy) at the exhibit in Taiwan.

Robert · 23rd February 2010, 07:49 AM

Luc,
Thank you for the pictures and information. The one with the copper blade is absolutely amazing.

I would imagine that they are quite a bit rarer that the steel bladed ones. After seeing all of the wonderful pictures that have been posted I cannot wait for mine to arrive. I just hope that when it does that it in in decent condition and that there is not a lot of unseen damage on the side of the scabbard that is not shown in the picture. Just so I do not inflict any further damage to it what would be the best way of cleaning the copper parts with out loosing the patina? Thanks to all again for all your help.

Robert

P.S.
I do know NOT to use metal polish on the copper.

21st February 2010, 05:55 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,926	Very cool, more than makes up for the recent bad buy. You lucky chap. Attached Images

22nd February 2010, 11:14 PM	#5
Luc LEFEBVRE Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: France Posts: 473	Yes very good ! A nice example with the scabbard (rare). Surely beginning of the 20th. There is also a copper model. Attached Images

23rd February 2010, 12:09 AM	#6
Luc LEFEBVRE Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: France Posts: 473	The model of the book "Fatal Beauty" (Freddy) at the exhibit in Taiwan. Attached Images

21st February 2010, 07:21 PM	#2
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	Yep, you hit the jackpot ! Here is a pic of a similar piece from the book 'Fatal Beauty - Traditional Weapons from Central Africa', Taiwan exhibition 2009

21st February 2010, 07:53 PM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Tim and Freddy, Thank you both for the pictures and kind words and yes, I do feel much better now after that horrible klewang incident. Now I can't wait for it to get here. Still, would anyone care to offer a guess on the age of this piece? I know with the terrible picture it would be hard if not impossible to be very accurate but just an idea would be nice. Thanks again. Robert

21st February 2010, 08:10 PM	#4
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	It's hard to tell the age of an African piece. The one I showed from the book is documented. The author states that it came from the collection of the Fathers Capuchins from Antwerp (Belgium) with as collection date : between 1880-1920. I doubt that your piece is as old, but it probably dates from the 50's or 60's. In the beginning of the sixties Congo became independent and a lot of colonists returned to their homecountry, bringing with them these jewels. I wouldn't ask the seller for more info as he gives the wrong continent as place of origin.

23rd February 2010, 07:49 AM	#7
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Luc, Thank you for the pictures and information. The one with the copper blade is absolutely amazing. I would imagine that they are quite a bit rarer that the steel bladed ones. After seeing all of the wonderful pictures that have been posted I cannot wait for mine to arrive. I just hope that when it does that it in in decent condition and that there is not a lot of unseen damage on the side of the scabbard that is not shown in the picture. Just so I do not inflict any further damage to it what would be the best way of cleaning the copper parts with out loosing the patina? Thanks to all again for all your help. Robert P.S. I do know NOT to use metal polish on the copper.