Lew Waldman's Ethnographic Arms & Armour Collection Archive


1053 - Large East African Mahdist Revolt Era Spearhead Remounted as a Dagger

This item is built around a large very broad bladed spearhead typical of the type associated with the British adversaries in campaigns of the late 19th century. The spearhead, including its socket, measures 14½ inches (37 cm) in length and up to 4 inches (10.5 cm) in breadth. A short handle covered by reptilian leather terminates in an iron sheet metal cap. A braided leather tassel with losses is tied around the socket. The facets on either side of the low mid rib are slightly concave and retain hammer marks. The edge of the blade has suffered a few small nicks and the occasional forging flaw confirms this to be hand forged. Overall length is 25¾ inches (65.5 cm) with a weight of just over 22 ounces (628 grams).




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