South African police assegai spear

Bill M · 2nd January 2009, 08:59 PM

54" overall. Neither the point, nor the blade are sharp. I wonder if these were used more for intimidation than actually sticking someone?

The butt end (with a solid iron cap) would be a very good club. I would think that one of these in skilled stick fighting hands would be formidable.

Shows number "2241" marking. Arsenal? Police?

Waterbuck · 2nd January 2009, 09:32 PM

I have a very similar spear. This one measures 58 inches overall, has the same thumb grove in the butt and metal end cap held on with a screw. I am told she is a rare pre-1914 Zulu “Nonquai” (Natal native Police) government issue spear. How rare are these?

Bill M · 5th January 2009, 09:40 AM

From the length of this spear, I think it is the military version.

Here is a picture of a South African guarding airplanes in January 1943.

2nd January 2009, 08:59 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	South African police assegai spear 54" overall. Neither the point, nor the blade are sharp. I wonder if these were used more for intimidation than actually sticking someone? The butt end (with a solid iron cap) would be a very good club. I would think that one of these in skilled stick fighting hands would be formidable. Shows number "2241" marking. Arsenal? Police? Attached Images

5th January 2009, 09:40 AM	#3
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	From the length of this spear, I think it is the military version. Here is a picture of a South African guarding airplanes in January 1943. Attached Images

2nd January 2009, 09:32 PM	#2
Waterbuck Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 11	I have a very similar spear. This one measures 58 inches overall, has the same thumb grove in the butt and metal end cap held on with a screw. I am told she is a rare pre-1914 Zulu “Nonquai” (Natal native Police) government issue spear. How rare are these?