Unusual Lance / short spear

katana · 28th August 2006, 08:47 PM

What a lovely piece.....you do seem to find them Bill.

I wonder whether it was made 'collapsable' to make transporting it easier...especially on horseback ...or ...so that it could be used 'half length' in a close quarter combat situation? Is the shaft wood with metal overlay? Is the threaded portion wood or metal ? It appears that the threading is machined...if so ..it should help to date it. The spear head looks to be of quality and well forged.....very nice indeed

Rick · 28th August 2006, 10:44 PM

I wonder if it is a re-mount of an older spearhead . The repousse work is fairly simplistic and unsophisticated; this could be a sign of newer work .

Bill M · 28th August 2006, 11:56 PM

Tirri calls this an 18th/19th century "Bellam." see page 278, figure 202 and 202 detail for plates showing this particular lance.

"Bellam" is a generic name that is further defined by Ashoka Arts as:

"A scarce old Indian lance or spear 'Nezah' (or Nezak). Black lacquered undulating wood shaft with some flexibility as was normal for these lances.

"Large brass mounts decoratively chiselled with floral scrolls, possibly originally gilt. Rigid steel head of unusual form mounted ornately to the shaft.

"As was typical of these lances, the centre section can be unscrewed. Long counter-weighted brass butt with various collare and shaped foot.

"Good condition, minor losses to lacquerwork. These spears were relatively lightweight in order for them to be used both as javelins or a lance on horseback.

"An attractive and rare piece. North-West India, 19th century."

Battara · 29th August 2006, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

I wonder if it is a re-mount of an older spearhead . The repousse work is fairly simplistic and unsophisticated; this could be a sign of newer work .

I think you have a point Rick (like the one on top of my head

). I think the chasing work would have been better had it been from the 17-18c. Early to mid 19c would make sense of this work.

Bill M · 30th August 2006, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I think you have a point Rick (like the one on top of my head

). I think the chasing work would have been better had it been from the 17-18c. Early to mid 19c would make sense of this work.

Jose, I think that you, Tirri, Ahsoka, B.I and Rick are right. This does help date it early to mid 19th c.

28th August 2006, 11:56 PM	#3
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Thank you all! A lttle more information. . . . . . Tirri calls this an 18th/19th century "Bellam." see page 278, figure 202 and 202 detail for plates showing this particular lance. "Bellam" is a generic name that is further defined by Ashoka Arts as: "A scarce old Indian lance or spear 'Nezah' (or Nezak). Black lacquered undulating wood shaft with some flexibility as was normal for these lances. "Large brass mounts decoratively chiselled with floral scrolls, possibly originally gilt. Rigid steel head of unusual form mounted ornately to the shaft. "As was typical of these lances, the centre section can be unscrewed. Long counter-weighted brass butt with various collare and shaped foot. "Good condition, minor losses to lacquerwork. These spears were relatively lightweight in order for them to be used both as javelins or a lance on horseback. "An attractive and rare piece. North-West India, 19th century."

28th August 2006, 08:47 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	What a lovely piece.....you do seem to find them Bill. I wonder whether it was made 'collapsable' to make transporting it easier...especially on horseback ...or ...so that it could be used 'half length' in a close quarter combat situation? Is the shaft wood with metal overlay? Is the threaded portion wood or metal ? It appears that the threading is machined...if so ..it should help to date it. The spear head looks to be of quality and well forged.....very nice indeed

28th August 2006, 10:44 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	I wonder if it is a re-mount of an older spearhead . The repousse work is fairly simplistic and unsophisticated; this could be a sign of newer work .