Revolutionary War era clasp knife

Jim McDougall · 1st May 2024, 01:46 PM

Great to see ya Capn, and indeed there are stormy seas about!

In closely examining this 'narayam' (stylus) made in the manner of a folding knife, which appears to be of course notably efficient in the case of portability, it seems clear this example is of late 18th century. These were typically associated with the 'Chettiars', which was an occupational caste in India dealing primarily in book keeping which included money changing and lending, and were primarily situated in Tamil Nadu.

Scribes keeping records of course had done so since ancient times using dried palm leaves as 'paper' and in these cases of course Sanskrit was the lingua francia, and often these knives had letters in this script on the blades.
The Chettiars were noted as locating in other areas which seem to correspond to many areas in the Orient including Rangoon, Singapore and many others.

While the use of palm leaves as paper waned in the 19th century with the use of printing presses as colonization brought such modern methods into use, tradition as always was a dominant force, so continued following of this practice likely held true especially in certain regions.

As trade vessels quite literally plied these corners of the 'seven seas', it seems not only likely, but probable, that these folding knife stylus' (or awl in nautical parlance) would have been seen by sailors dealing with them....whether in legitimate trade, or of course, 'visited' by pirates.

Multi-purposing was always very much an element of necessity at sea, as well as in native environments in colonial situations, so a stylus/knife finding alternative use aboard vessels would not be at all surprising.
That this example, which is virtually identical to one shown some years ago here by a former writer here (Anandalal of Sri Lanka) its character is profoundly neo-classic European supporting the late 19th century date suggested. ..but possibly into early 19th.

The fluted grips and neo classical capstan feature recall the hilts of European small swords, which again, would not be surprising in this era in these regions with the strong infusions of European influence.

As with all edged weapons, even small knives such as this, in its capacity more as a tool, there are many intriguing tales they hold.

1st May 2024, 01:46 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,785	Great to see ya Capn, and indeed there are stormy seas about! In closely examining this 'narayam' (stylus) made in the manner of a folding knife, which appears to be of course notably efficient in the case of portability, it seems clear this example is of late 18th century. These were typically associated with the 'Chettiars', which was an occupational caste in India dealing primarily in book keeping which included money changing and lending, and were primarily situated in Tamil Nadu. Scribes keeping records of course had done so since ancient times using dried palm leaves as 'paper' and in these cases of course Sanskrit was the lingua francia, and often these knives had letters in this script on the blades. The Chettiars were noted as locating in other areas which seem to correspond to many areas in the Orient including Rangoon, Singapore and many others. While the use of palm leaves as paper waned in the 19th century with the use of printing presses as colonization brought such modern methods into use, tradition as always was a dominant force, so continued following of this practice likely held true especially in certain regions. As trade vessels quite literally plied these corners of the 'seven seas', it seems not only likely, but probable, that these folding knife stylus' (or awl in nautical parlance) would have been seen by sailors dealing with them....whether in legitimate trade, or of course, 'visited' by pirates. Multi-purposing was always very much an element of necessity at sea, as well as in native environments in colonial situations, so a stylus/knife finding alternative use aboard vessels would not be at all surprising. That this example, which is virtually identical to one shown some years ago here by a former writer here (Anandalal of Sri Lanka) its character is profoundly neo-classic European supporting the late 19th century date suggested. ..but possibly into early 19th. The fluted grips and neo classical capstan feature recall the hilts of European small swords, which again, would not be surprising in this era in these regions with the strong infusions of European influence. As with all edged weapons, even small knives such as this, in its capacity more as a tool, there are many intriguing tales they hold. Attached Images