What are your thoughts on these

Gavin Nugent · 23rd October 2008, 11:56 AM

I was very taken when I saw these pass in an auction recently. Advertised as Ivory daggers from Norway or similar from memory. Approx 8 inches long if I recall and are silver mounted too. Overall very gorgeous pieces.

Sure they could be used as a dagger but to me I think the more resemble fids.

I would be interested to hear any views on these interesting items.

Gav

Rick · 23rd October 2008, 05:45 PM

Spitzbergen scrimshaw possibly ?

Freebooter , did you see these in person; are the blades really stout ?
Fids though; with silver embellishments; for small work ?

Could they be some kind of tool for darning, lace or some other 'Ladies work' back at home ?

Nah, either one would look great in a sailor's ditty bag .

Gavin Nugent · 24th October 2008, 10:07 AM

Unfortunately I did not see them first hand but I am sure they are not daggers as described in the auction description but would inflict a nasty puncture if stabbed.

The pic provided is about life size and from the questions I did ask the are round in shape, definately nautical as you expressed, I still think they are a fid of some kind, the tips do look like they would be great for undoing knots and parting ropes but the silver embelishment may indicate a present of some sort???

Has anyone seen any icelandic/scandinavian type ivory daggers before? If in fact they are daggers I'd like to know more?

Gav

23rd October 2008, 11:56 AM	#1
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	What are your thoughts on these I was very taken when I saw these pass in an auction recently. Advertised as Ivory daggers from Norway or similar from memory. Approx 8 inches long if I recall and are silver mounted too. Overall very gorgeous pieces. Sure they could be used as a dagger but to me I think the more resemble fids. I would be interested to hear any views on these interesting items. Gav Attached Images

23rd October 2008, 05:45 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	Lovely Nautical Spitzbergen scrimshaw possibly ? Freebooter , did you see these in person; are the blades really stout ? Fids though; with silver embellishments; for small work ? Could they be some kind of tool for darning, lace or some other 'Ladies work' back at home ? Nah, either one would look great in a sailor's ditty bag . Last edited by Rick; 23rd October 2008 at 06:04 PM.

24th October 2008, 10:07 AM	#3
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	I think they're fids Unfortunately I did not see them first hand but I am sure they are not daggers as described in the auction description but would inflict a nasty puncture if stabbed. The pic provided is about life size and from the questions I did ask the are round in shape, definately nautical as you expressed, I still think they are a fid of some kind, the tips do look like they would be great for undoing knots and parting ropes but the silver embelishment may indicate a present of some sort??? Has anyone seen any icelandic/scandinavian type ivory daggers before? If in fact they are daggers I'd like to know more? Gav