African knife and spears of unknown origin.

Tim Simmons · 25th July 2010, 04:41 PM

Thanks for getting back on this thread. I now think there is no Turkish influence, only French. If you google "Berthier Bayonet" you will find a good match for the form of blade and the scabbard, which also imitates the berthier bayonet frog. It is also good to confirm the early 20th century manufacture. Indeed some items like this could well have been made at the turn of the 19th century. Thank you for making clear the size of the spears. They look to be dance spears and nice pieces to my mind. We do not enter into suggestions of value on this open form. You can email or PM members if you like.

PS, The white material on the scabbard looks like some kind of leatherette or faux leather. Imitation leather materials made a commercial appearance in the late 19th century. Your item is very clean and nice. The spears are great, but that is just my oppinion, most other will differ greatly.

Tim Simmons · 25th July 2010, 05:42 PM

Something we have to keep in mind. We are so familiar with "modern" materials like aluminium and faux leather we forget that at one time these were hot stuff and not cheap. How long will it be before we all walk around with a tablet selling for no more than say £50.

keysort · 25th July 2010, 07:34 PM

Tim,
You are exactly right! I recall hearing that around the turn of the century aluminum was more valuable than platinum! So you think the spears are from the turn of the century, too?

25th July 2010, 04:41 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Thanks for getting back on this thread. I now think there is no Turkish influence, only French. If you google "Berthier Bayonet" you will find a good match for the form of blade and the scabbard, which also imitates the berthier bayonet frog. It is also good to confirm the early 20th century manufacture. Indeed some items like this could well have been made at the turn of the 19th century. Thank you for making clear the size of the spears. They look to be dance spears and nice pieces to my mind. We do not enter into suggestions of value on this open form. You can email or PM members if you like. PS, The white material on the scabbard looks like some kind of leatherette or faux leather. Imitation leather materials made a commercial appearance in the late 19th century. Your item is very clean and nice. The spears are great, but that is just my oppinion, most other will differ greatly.

25th July 2010, 05:42 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Something we have to keep in mind. We are so familiar with "modern" materials like aluminium and faux leather we forget that at one time these were hot stuff and not cheap. How long will it be before we all walk around with a tablet selling for no more than say £50.

25th July 2010, 07:34 PM	#3
keysort Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 4	Tim, You are exactly right! I recall hearing that around the turn of the century aluminum was more valuable than platinum! So you think the spears are from the turn of the century, too?