Unknown Bone Item Talisman? Tool?

trenchwarfare · 2nd July 2013, 12:53 AM

I found this item at a gunshow, and have no idea what it is. It is made of bone, and as the dimensions show , it came from a very thick walled bone. I'm thinking something African. Elephant, Hippo, Rhino? I've been told, that whale bones aren't that thick. It shows evidence of wear, in the "sharp" end. Like being used as a scraper. I doubt that, as it is very uncomfortable in your hand. I'm thinking something talismanic. Any ideas?

Rich · 2nd July 2013, 01:06 AM

No idea what the bone thing is, but I'm glad I'm not the only one who still has
his McMetrics ruler :-)

Rich

colin henshaw · 2nd July 2013, 07:17 AM

Its an old sailor's tool - for use in sailmaking - smoothing down the stitching...

Gavin Nugent · 2nd July 2013, 02:44 PM

Sperm whale jaw bones are that thick...it might tie in with the sailors tool aspect quite well....but the jaw bones I have seen appears a little porous because they were dug up...

Gavin

David · 2nd July 2013, 03:20 PM

So....we don't have enough actual weapons to talk about these days?

trenchwarfare · 2nd July 2013, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

So....we don't have enough actual weapons to talk about these days?

It coulda been a weapon.

trenchwarfare · 2nd July 2013, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

So....we don't have enough actual weapons to talk about these days?

It coulda been a weapon.

russel · 3rd July 2013, 12:00 AM

Colin is spot on. It is DEFINATELY a sail making tool. Carved (by idle sailors) from whale bone. I work at a museum in Tasmania, an island with (sadly) a long whaling history. I see a lot of these. If only edged weapons where as common locally!

I'm happy to provide pics of other examples if anyone is interested. Although it is pretty off topic, so maybe best to pm me if you want images.

Cheers - Russel

trenchwarfare · 3rd July 2013, 12:38 AM

Thanks Russel. PM sent.

Rick · 3rd July 2013, 01:59 AM

The shape looks damned uncomfortable to hold for the use given .

trenchwarfare · 3rd July 2013, 05:31 AM

Rick, it pretty much is. Depending on where/how you hold it. I think it is a multi-use tool.

2nd July 2013, 12:53 AM	#1
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	Unknown Bone Item Talisman? Tool? I found this item at a gunshow, and have no idea what it is. It is made of bone, and as the dimensions show , it came from a very thick walled bone. I'm thinking something African. Elephant, Hippo, Rhino? I've been told, that whale bones aren't that thick. It shows evidence of wear, in the "sharp" end. Like being used as a scraper. I doubt that, as it is very uncomfortable in your hand. I'm thinking something talismanic. Any ideas? Attached Images

3rd July 2013, 12:00 AM	#8
russel Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Tasmania, Australia Posts: 236	Sail making Colin is spot on. It is DEFINATELY a sail making tool. Carved (by idle sailors) from whale bone. I work at a museum in Tasmania, an island with (sadly) a long whaling history. I see a lot of these. If only edged weapons where as common locally! I'm happy to provide pics of other examples if anyone is interested. Although it is pretty off topic, so maybe best to pm me if you want images. Cheers - Russel

2nd July 2013, 01:06 AM	#2
Rich Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: comfortably at home, USA Posts: 432	No idea what the bone thing is, but I'm glad I'm not the only one who still has his McMetrics ruler :-) Rich

2nd July 2013, 07:17 AM	#3
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	Its an old sailor's tool - for use in sailmaking - smoothing down the stitching...

2nd July 2013, 02:44 PM	#4
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Sperm whale jaw bones are that thick...it might tie in with the sailors tool aspect quite well....but the jaw bones I have seen appears a little porous because they were dug up... Gavin

2nd July 2013, 03:20 PM	#5
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,127	So....we don't have enough actual weapons to talk about these days?

3rd July 2013, 12:38 AM	#9
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	Thanks Russel. PM sent.

3rd July 2013, 01:59 AM	#10
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	The shape looks damned uncomfortable to hold for the use given .

3rd July 2013, 05:31 AM	#11
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	Rick, it pretty much is. Depending on where/how you hold it. I think it is a multi-use tool.