West African sword/cutlass

Robert · 12th March 2014, 08:14 PM

Hello Colin, I agree that the blade looks like a reworked machete blade possibly one by Robert Mole. The shallow fuller looks right for some of the WWII examples that I have seen. This does have a great looking hilt. The use of twisted wire held by small staples and what looks to be hobnails holding the steel pommel pieces in place really sets the whole hilt off. Then to top it off it still has the original leather scabbard. Great catch.

Best,
Robert

VANDOO · 13th March 2014, 04:25 AM

A VERY INTERESTING HANDLE AND NICELY DONE. I HAVE SEEN VARIOUS MACHETE BLADES USED BUT NEVER A HANDLE LIKE THIS ONE. I LIKE IT

IT APPEARS 4 PIECES OF METAL TUBING BENT AROUND THE POMMEL WITH 4 NAILS DRIVEN THRU THE DRILLED TUBING AND THEN BENT OVER AND DRIVEN IN, A DIFFICULT TRICK. I WOULD THINK IT SORT OF CORESPONDS TO A FIST AS I SEE 4 FINGERS, PERHAPS THE THUMB IS INSIDE THE IRON FIST.

THE WIRE WORK IS NICE TOO WHAT DOES THE WIREWORK ON THE POMMEL LOOK LIKE.
IT APPEARS THE 4 PIECES OF STEEL OR IRON ARE SOLID AND FORGED FOR THE HANDLE RATHER THAN USING TUBEING WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN EASIER. THE WEIGHT OF THE HANDLE SHOULD BALANCE THE BLADE.

13th March 2014, 04:25 AM	#2
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	A VERY INTERESTING HANDLE AND NICELY DONE. I HAVE SEEN VARIOUS MACHETE BLADES USED BUT NEVER A HANDLE LIKE THIS ONE. I LIKE IT IT APPEARS 4 PIECES OF METAL TUBING BENT AROUND THE POMMEL WITH 4 NAILS DRIVEN THRU THE DRILLED TUBING AND THEN BENT OVER AND DRIVEN IN, A DIFFICULT TRICK. I WOULD THINK IT SORT OF CORESPONDS TO A FIST AS I SEE 4 FINGERS, PERHAPS THE THUMB IS INSIDE THE IRON FIST. THE WIRE WORK IS NICE TOO WHAT DOES THE WIREWORK ON THE POMMEL LOOK LIKE. IT APPEARS THE 4 PIECES OF STEEL OR IRON ARE SOLID AND FORGED FOR THE HANDLE RATHER THAN USING TUBEING WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN EASIER. THE WEIGHT OF THE HANDLE SHOULD BALANCE THE BLADE. Last edited by VANDOO; 14th March 2014 at 01:48 AM.

12th March 2014, 08:14 PM	#1
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Colin, I agree that the blade looks like a reworked machete blade possibly one by Robert Mole. The shallow fuller looks right for some of the WWII examples that I have seen. This does have a great looking hilt. The use of twisted wire held by small staples and what looks to be hobnails holding the steel pommel pieces in place really sets the whole hilt off. Then to top it off it still has the original leather scabbard. Great catch. Best, Robert