Short Stabbing Spear - Tourist ??

katana · 25th January 2010, 02:06 PM

Bought this cheaply .....believing it to be a tourist piece and judging by the patina mid 20th C onwards. Now I'm not so certain.

The spearhead is forged and has shoulders common to Zulu heads. It is very sharp ...but relatively thin (flat diamond cross section)The brass ferrule could be a short piece of pipe or even a bullet cartridge (has been worked with a file so no markings to confirm.) The 'dot' pattern on either end of the shaft is created by burning and has some carved grooves at the handle end. There are 'handling' marks/wear in places you would expect ...if used.

I wondered whether this could be 'better' than a tourist offering....although functional, it is not 'robust' enough to rely on in 'battle conditions'.....perhaps ceremonial ??

All comments good or bad, gratefully received, thank you

Regards David

25th January 2010, 02:06 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Short Stabbing Spear - Tourist ?? Bought this cheaply .....believing it to be a tourist piece and judging by the patina mid 20th C onwards. Now I'm not so certain. The spearhead is forged and has shoulders common to Zulu heads. It is very sharp ...but relatively thin (flat diamond cross section)The brass ferrule could be a short piece of pipe or even a bullet cartridge (has been worked with a file so no markings to confirm.) The 'dot' pattern on either end of the shaft is created by burning and has some carved grooves at the handle end. There are 'handling' marks/wear in places you would expect ...if used. I wondered whether this could be 'better' than a tourist offering....although functional, it is not 'robust' enough to rely on in 'battle conditions'.....perhaps ceremonial ?? All comments good or bad, gratefully received, thank you Regards David Attached Images