Nice African Dagger on EBay

[Lew]

Just picked this up today thinking it's Tetela ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140579274413&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_500wt_922

[ericlaude]

Yes, Law, sure it's Tetela.

[Battara]

What an interesting piece. Looks like good workmanship too.

[Robert]

Great looking dagger lew.:eek: Looks like the hilt could be copper over wood. I hope you don't mind my up-loading the auction pictures here for later reference.

Robert

[Lew]

Thanks Robert for posting the pics. Seems my iPad can't or won't upload photos like my PC can for some reason? You are correct the sheathing is copper and the dagger looks to be of a finer quality and quite complete :) Wonder if these daggers ever had scabbards?

[Robert]

Thanks Robert for posting the pics.No problem Lew. As for whether or not this originally had a sheath I really have no idea but, if it were mine I would not want to hide such a blade and would wear it tuck through a sash or belt for everyone to see.:D Great score and a beautiful addition to your collection.

Robert

[Tim Simmons]

Very nice.

[katana]

Lew is the spike pommel solid copper or wood sheathed in copper plate ? I'm wondering whether the spike was used to attack, in addition to the blade. It's almost a stabbing spear in smaller form.

All the best
David

[Lew]

Wood sheathed in copper. Still quite deadly at either end :eek: .

[Ferguson]

That's stunning. Congrats!
Steve

[Martin Lubojacky]

Congratulations

[Lew]

Hi all

Thanks for responding I did some research and found the name of the dagger. It is called a balingbwa from the Tetela tribe. Should be here in a few days. :)