Masai Lion spear c. 1900

[kronckew]

couldn't resist this one: billed as around 1900.
unusual grooves near tip.
head 87cm. spike 57cm. haft 39.5cm. LOA 184cm.
looks like a fully closed socket on the head. spike socket is open, spike shaft starts square then goes round.

[Arete]

those are unusual grooves. Have you had the handle off? Is there a leather lining inside the sockets?

[kronckew]

it's still on it#s way home. will check when it arrives.
should it?

[kronckew]

spear arrived, as described, surprisingly heavy but well balanced at the centre of the dark wood grip. blade is quite sharp both edges. spike was heavier than expected, quite thick. appears to be fairly good hard steel. 12 inscribed lines each side of the tip. sockets not lined. point socket is open like the spike socket. sockets fit and grip the haft tightly. wood grip does not appear to be stained.