An iron sheath ... or a frame of it, for comments

[fernando]

Any further thoughts, Gentlemen ? ...

[Mel H]

My thinking was more of something that was a permanent component part of the tool, used to protect the soft wood while in use, rather than a removable tool protection device.
I'm sure that someone will recognise it.
Being the owner of several mystery objects acquired over the years, I'd be interested to know.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Mel H

My thinking was more of something that was a permanent component part of the tool, used to protect the soft wood while in use, rather than a removable tool protection device.
I'm sure that someone will recognise it.
Being the owner of several mystery objects acquired over the years, I'd be interested to know.

I see your point Mel but, i am reluctant to digest that this is a non weapon implement. Not so much a question of common sense but, i would be frustrated to realize that i acquired something i wasn't expecting ... at all.
If ever someone pops up and shows us he is famiiar with this thing as not being a scabbard frame and, once you fancy odd obects, you can have it ... and i mean it. .

[thinreadline]

I dont think this is the frame of a recently made re enactment scabbard ... it is too complex in its structure ... modern made scabbards of this type are much more simplistic . I think this is old ... however knowing where it was found would be the key of course . Iron does not last long except in certain environments.

[Kmaddock]

Hi
I have no image re sizer on my device so no images available
If you google

Smatchet fighting knife FS

this shape scabbard would be a good match

It would also match the
welsh fusiliers knife
made in WWI sorry no images of either but search the above 2 and you should see what I mean size would be wrong but shape would match

Regards

Ken

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Kmaddock

...If you google
Smatchet fighting knife FS
this shape scabbard would be a good match
It would also match the
welsh fusiliers knife
made in WWI sorry no images of either but search the above 2 and you should see what I mean size would be wrong but shape would match...

Thank you for the hint, Ken ... but i don't think so; neither the shape, nor the size ... or the material, etc.

[Lee]

I think the features are just too close for this not to be the frame of a scabbard for a Celtic / Roman knife of the style shown above. Sometimes we do see Celtic iron artifacts with provenance of good repute that are in amazing shape for being two millennia old, so I'll not casually dismiss this as impossible. I was once led to a nice Celtic long sword with a sheet iron sheath by a thread in another forum ridiculing it an impossible survival. However, in these days of forgeries of just about anything collectible, suspicion of more recent work is also hard to confidently dismiss.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by thinreadline

I dont think this is the frame of a recently made re enactment scabbard ... it is too complex in its structure ... modern made scabbards of this type are much more simplistic . I think this is old ... however knowing where it was found would be the key of course . Iron does not last long except in certain environments.

That is rather comforting ... thank you.
I was told the area that it came from (post #7); a small penisula once occupied by the Romans until the 6th century. Whether it was excavated from under the ground or found at the open air, is something i wonder. But i am almost certain that it was unearthed. However i am not afirming that there is a link between this piece and the Roman occupation.


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