Two shamanic Tonkin knives

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by spiral

Fascinating pieces!

What age where they sold as?

The antler is from Barking deer or Muntjak, I have several Nepalese Karda & a Nepalese shepherds knife using such antlers for hilts, It is also used on small knife hilts in Burma, Thailand & no doubt probably Vietnam & Cambodia as well. { All in the Natural range of the Deer.}

Spiral

Hello Spiral,

yes, when I have seen them first time I was fascinated as well. The auction house don't know something about them, they was described as India knives, 19th/20th century. But when I look to the antler I am sure that they has been in use for some decades.
Thank you for the hint of the deer origin, I have attached a picture of the Chinese Muntjak, found by google.

Regards,
Detlef