An interesting item, from the old rust patina it seems to have some fair age to it. Another possibility to add to the mix as to its origin ... is that of a piece made on board a sailing ship for trade or presentation to native peoples. In the 18th & 19th century ships on long voyages would often have on board a blacksmith with his apparatus. Voyages could be for ... exploration, surveying, trading, slaving or whaling purposes. There are documented accounts of such blacksmiths making up weapons and tools for trade or presentation purposes. Scrap iron would be taken along and brass was used in marine environments. The natives of West Africa in particular were fond of weapons imitating European examples.
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