Shona bakatwa with silver wire wrap

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Kmaddock

My first purchase for the year is what I beleve to be a Shona bakatwa with a type of wire wrapping, which i have not seen before.

Hi Ken,

Yes, I would agree with you, it's a Shona bakatwa in sword length, somewhat rare. I agree with Tim that it won't be silver, nickel maybe?

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Here is some information: https://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/weapons/ind...-10/index.html

[Kmaddock]

Hi

Well I got it yesterday and I think it has been painted with brass showing through.

Happy with it all the same as the wire work is exemplary and I can get access to most solvents to remove the paint if I want.

Before I do so is there any chance the paint might be contempary as it is very well done and looks great.

I do not really collect in this field so I am no puritan on returning to what it should look like so I may just leave as is for a while

Regards and thanks all for the information

Ken

[Gavin Nugent]

Check SPAM if mail didn't arrive Ken, all the best and good luck with if it is interesting enough!

[Kmaddock]

Thanks Gavin
I sent you a mail back with some pictures and opinion sought, regards
Ken

[AndreasM]

Hi Ken, To me it looks like glue. I recently had such an experience with an object that had wirework and the previous owner was worried about it becoming loose. Hence he poured glue all over it. Very difficult to remove.
Kind regards,
Andreas

[gp]

Originally Posted by AndreasM

Hi Ken, To me it looks like glue. I recently had such an experience with an object that had wirework and the previous owner was worried about it becoming loose. Hence he poured glue all over it. Very difficult to remove.
Kind regards,
Andreas

try rubbing it gently off with a piece of cloth, cotton preferable, dipped in acetone. Repeat it as long as you need. It will take the glue of without damaging the metal. Be careful though with organic material as the acetone might weaken its structure...will not harm the wood