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?

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

Rich

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

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

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

It coulda been a weapon. :rolleyes:

It coulda been a weapon. :rolleyes:

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

Thanks Russel. PM sent.

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

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