Mystery Texas Blade?

Helleri · 23rd June 2016, 11:05 PM

It appears that the quillions are bladed as well?

Jim McDougall · 25th June 2016, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helleri

It appears that the quillions are bladed as well?

The more I look at this, and in accord with this observation, this resembles possibly a 'pseudo-artifact' much in the line of the 'Silverbell artifacts' of Tucson Arizona. These are lead items which are decorated with alleged classical Latin inscriptions, images of swords, crosses etc. and seem to have been 'planted' in these areas in early 20th c.
They were 'discovered' in 1924 and after much scrutiny, claimed to be 'fakes' by well known antiquarians.
It is believed they were fashioned by a young Mexican boy skilled in lead sculpting (these were lead) and who had a fascination with foreign languages and history.

The 'ribs' on this item may be of course from casting molds?

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 27th June 2016, 03:31 PM

A CATTLE BRANDING IRON.

Jim McDougall · 29th June 2016, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

A CATTLE BRANDING IRON.

Good one Ibrahiim!!!
Actually, some time ago we were examining a Spanish colonial item which appeared to be a lance head (which I would consider with this if there was a socket). Said item turned out to be an ox goad (Simmons and Turley, 1980, p.87). While of course in some degree disappointing, it must be remembered that on these frontiers, even the most pedestrian and utilitarian items also served as weapons as required. There remains the admittedly remote possibility that this might have been a blacksmith 'test' project, however iron was a precious commodity and typically recycled as required, so that may discount this idea.

*"Southwestern Colonial Ironwork", Simmons & Turley, 1980, is an outstanding resource!!

CSinTX · 30th June 2016, 04:22 AM

Thanks everyone for their thoughts. Unfortunately I do not have the item in possession so I cant offer any more on it.

I do wonder if it could be a very large tent stake. That might explain the odd bend that could result from being driven in to the hard ground found in that area.

23rd June 2016, 11:05 PM	#1
Helleri Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Chino, CA. Posts: 219	It appears that the quillions are bladed as well?

27th June 2016, 03:31 PM	#3
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	A CATTLE BRANDING IRON.

30th June 2016, 04:22 AM	#5
CSinTX Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 233	Thanks everyone for their thoughts. Unfortunately I do not have the item in possession so I cant offer any more on it. I do wonder if it could be a very large tent stake. That might explain the odd bend that could result from being driven in to the hard ground found in that area.