Unusual Money Polearm

Lee · 20th May 2020, 12:26 AM

I wonder if this is a Venetian boat hook (for retrieving a moored boat from beyond natural arm's reach) that has the added blades to perhaps serve also as a repellent for unwanted visitors. I have an old Venetian boat puller pole with similar coins and tacks and I have also seen a newer example of the same.

Will M · 20th May 2020, 12:38 AM

The one coin looks like an East India Company penny.

Rick · 20th May 2020, 02:44 AM

I think you nailed it Lee.
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-l...6-c-a9acfee14f

fernando · 20th May 2020, 12:22 PM

Brilliant; a gondola "croque". I would never guess

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Lee · 20th May 2020, 01:58 PM

I saw a 'degenerate' version with a typical modern cast chrome plated hook, red fabric covering and rather unattractive modern aluminum coins for sale in Venice in the 1980s. This prepared me when I saw a 19th century version (picture below) for sale as an unknown "what-is-it?" in an antique shop in Copenhagen years later (for a much cheaper price). I had not seen one with the blades added to the head before and Gregory128's example is clearly the best example I have encountered to date.

M ELEY · 21st May 2020, 05:19 AM

I have seen gaffing hooks with a sharp "marlin' spike to them, but never a blade! Pretty cool! The pattern resembles a lochober axe! I like it very much!

Gregory128 · 22nd May 2020, 03:40 AM

Thanks for the help guys. Very unusual. I would never have guessed its a 19th century Venetian boat hook? Surprising!

20th May 2020, 01:58 PM	#5
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 979	I saw a 'degenerate' version with a typical modern cast chrome plated hook, red fabric covering and rather unattractive modern aluminum coins for sale in Venice in the 1980s. This prepared me when I saw a 19th century version (picture below) for sale as an unknown "what-is-it?" in an antique shop in Copenhagen years later (for a much cheaper price). I had not seen one with the blades added to the head before and Gregory128's example is clearly the best example I have encountered to date. Attached Images

20th May 2020, 12:26 AM	#1
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 979	I wonder if this is a Venetian boat hook (for retrieving a moored boat from beyond natural arm's reach) that has the added blades to perhaps serve also as a repellent for unwanted visitors. I have an old Venetian boat puller pole with similar coins and tacks and I have also seen a newer example of the same.

20th May 2020, 12:38 AM	#2
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 413	The one coin looks like an East India Company penny.

20th May 2020, 02:44 AM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,378	I think you nailed it Lee. https://www.invaluable.com/auction-l...6-c-a9acfee14f

20th May 2020, 12:22 PM	#4
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Brilliant; a gondola "croque". I would never guess .

21st May 2020, 05:19 AM	#6
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,207	I have seen gaffing hooks with a sharp "marlin' spike to them, but never a blade! Pretty cool! The pattern resembles a lochober axe! I like it very much!

22nd May 2020, 03:40 AM	#7
Gregory128 Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7	Thanks for the help guys. Very unusual. I would never have guessed its a 19th century Venetian boat hook? Surprising!