Steel Spike, Initialed SHF
 

I've had this sitting on my desk for years and have no idea what it is?

Bearing inscribed gilt decorated initials "SHF" which I believe may be for a Samuel Hoppe of Solingen(?) or possibly a Simon Helvig Fils, a French armourer from the Alsace.

19cm long, easily gripped with thumb and forefinger, about 4cm from the point there is a small piece of brass, possibly gilt, inset into the steel.

Anybody any ideas what this?

Many thanks.

It looks to me like a tool made from the blade of a sword. No idea what its for.

Most certainly not a weapon, indeed. So that we move it to the Miscellania forum. Let us see what other members think of it.

Perhaps a broken blade having undergone a modification ... to a whatever purpose spoon ? :o.

I think you are right Fernando and that it is indeed a spoon. Maybe for sugar or something like that.

It is the tang of the sword blade and just a bit of the forte showing the makers mark. Not sure it had an alternate purpose than just being a broken blade where the blade remnant was rounded off. Perhaps used as a fancy letter opener versus being discarded.

Hi All
I was thinking it could be a Tea Caddy spoon or a meat skewer?
Regards,
Ken

On a second thought, it lacks the concavity for a spoon; or the length for a letter opener. Notwithstanding its form was most probably meant to have a purpose !

You mean for breaking up large sugar blocks or perhaps ice? Never thought of that?

The small piece of inset brass seems to have served a purpuse and the fact that the thumb grip so neatly bears the decoration and initials makes me think it's been designed for a specific purpose. I thought it may have been a pin/holder/support for a larger piece, perhaps a large firearm?

Really appreciate all your responses. Thanks.