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Old 19th October 2017, 12:11 PM   #180
fernando
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Location: Portugal
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Old 15th April 2011, 10:19 PM

Posted by:
Billman
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Join Date: Nov 2010


Yes, although in this case it seems to be decorative rather than for identification (of course it could be both).... Now for the $64,000 question - tool or weapon?? To me it is a very nice early example of a hedging bill - this type is common throughout Europe - I have examples from Wales and France, but they are also found in Spain, Italy and Croatia...

Known in Portugal as a foice, in Spain as a roçadora, in France as a croissant (also a coujard) and in Croatia as a rankun - the shape of the blade varies from region to region, but the back hook to push loose branches back into the hedge is common to all types...

A few illustrations....

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Last edited by fernando; 21st October 2017 at 06:21 PM.
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