Tetela Dagger For Comment
 

Just got back from the Timonium show I had a great time. I was able to pick up this nice Tetela dagger. It is about 11"-12" overall with a lovely mint condition blade. I think part or all of the hilt was covered in copper sheet if not the hilt the spike definately had one. Comments welcome.

I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED THIS TYPE OF DAGGER BECAUSE OF ITS DESIGN AND FUNCTIONS. THEY HAVE A THICK SUBSTANTIAL BLADE AND BACK SPIKE , THE HANDLE GRIP IS DESIGNED SO THE HAND WILL NOT SLIP INTO THE BLADE OR SPIKE REGARDLESS OF WHICH ONE YOU STRIKE WITH. THESE ARE ESPECIALLY GOOD FOR CLOSE IN FIGHTING AS YOU CAN GET THEM COMMING OR GOING AND THE SPIKE WILL PENETRATE LIGHT ARMOR OR BONE EASILY. PRETTY TO LOOK AT AND HOLD BUT VERY EFFECIENT IN CLOSE COMBAT. NICE ONE.
PERHAPS SOMEONE WILL ELABORATE OR POST SOME PICTURES FROM TIMONIUM FOR THOSE OF US NOT ABLE TO ATTEND.

A forum member sent me a pic of a similar dagger for comparison. The spike on his is covered in steel so Vandoo was correct this more a combat piece than a ceremonial dagger.

Some others to help you (from museum).

Luc

Thanks for the pics. I am having the spike cover restored should I use copper or steel sheet metal on it?

Ciao Lew (you have to learn speak italian ;) )

I think that it's impossible to know if on your there was iron or copper, so.... it's up to you to choose what do you prefer :D

All the best
Flavio

Flavio is right, I think it's better to let it like that.

Hi Lew,
personally I would go with steel/iron , to get a more authentic look, the sheet metal should be 'hammered' ....as modern sheet would be too uniform. Unfortunately hammering 'cold' sheet will 'work harden' the metal, making it more brittle....so before trying to form the sheet into a cone (to fit the spike)....the hammered piece needs to be annealed....ie heating to a 'dull red' colour and then left to cool slowly, this makes the steel more ductile whilst retaining its strength.
Copper sheet will also work harden if hammered and would need similar treatment.

All the best

David