European blade in an African context

[Tim Simmons]

Trying to find an exact match is difficult. Look at antique icing knives and spreaders. Also antique cake decorating knives. Google farrar and tanner wedding knives to see modern examples.

[Jim McDougall]

See examples in post #9, which illustrate antique forms. These are obviously 'ancient' in comparison to Victorian antiques, however the Victorians favored notably antiquarian styles (i.e. Gothic etc.).
It would seem variations would prevail as with any form, however the 'spatulate' shape remains somewhat consistent as its purpose is to lift and serve a portion of food.

[Tim Simmons]

A picture from a long ago auction site. The hunting scene handle is nice.

[ausjulius]

well it definitely is an african sheath made of crocodile skin. but the knife i suspect is in its original form. it may not be a serving knife as im pretty sure that style was well out of favour for other narrower styles. based on those grips its 19th century.. but could it be a vetinarians knife instead, one for disction of larger animals.

[M ELEY]

Great point, Ausjulius! When i first commented on this piece, I had assumed a more utilitarian use for the blade, but you bring up the point that it could have been a specialized tool (medical dissection, hunting-trouse type, etc). I'm even reminded of bolo-type machetes and specified 'gardening tools', like Japanese nata. Perhaps this was an agricultural tool??? Fascine knife??

[Richard G]

It could be a worn depiction of Pegasus, which was the trademark of Henry Rogers and Sons Ltd, Wolverhampton and Sheffield.
Apparently it was also a mark used by Unwin and Rodgers who made the infamous knife\pistol combination.
Regards
Richard

[colin henshaw]

Originally Posted by Richard G

It could be a worn depiction of Pegasus, which was the trademark of Henry Rogers and Sons Ltd, Wolverhampton and Sheffield.
Apparently it was also a mark used by Unwin and Rodgers who made the infamous knife\pistol combination.
Regards
Richard

This might well be right, as there seems to be the remains of "wings" on the back of the horse ? on my blade. The suggestion of a dissection instrument also seems correct, a large autopsy or "organ" instrument possibly. This would go with the funereal black hilt and the raised decoration to the gutta-percha providing a firm grip...