Zulu Patina question? Looks very recent.

Lew · 12th September 2006, 02:43 AM

Bill

The axe handle has age cracks and is consistant with other older knobkerries and axe handles that I have seen. Does the axe handle have a smokey smell to it like burnt wood? As far as lathes go I have a pic of a Sudanese wood worker using a lathe circa 1900.

Lew

The Double D · 12th September 2006, 06:32 AM

I have to agree with the perception the walking stick is fairly new. I to see lathe marks. I also think I see glue by the knob.

He paid three figures? Lets I exchanged Rand yesterday at 7.36 per dollar. So lets say R150, that's three figures, $20.38.

The attached picture is of a milkpail my wife got. It has that dark finish also. The darkness is supossed to come from the smoke in the rondaval.

Notice the surface finish of the milk pail. It's rough and marked and not polished as these two item are.

I think the axe has been refinished. Authenticity, will have come from some one more knowledgeable.

The Walking stick is nice but has some quality that says new made. The checkering should be worn or even damaged if old.

Bill M · 12th September 2006, 11:28 AM

The seller has agreed to a return and refund. But I dislike doing this, espcially if they could be authentic, he insists they are.

I would still like to know more if there are any other opinions?

I met the curator of African art at the Michael C Carlos Museum here in Atlanta some time ago and will email her a link to this thread.

She was born in south Africa. Maybe she will have an answer.

If I can get an appointment, I'll take these two pieces to her.

12th September 2006, 02:43 AM	#1
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Bill The axe handle has age cracks and is consistant with other older knobkerries and axe handles that I have seen. Does the axe handle have a smokey smell to it like burnt wood? As far as lathes go I have a pic of a Sudanese wood worker using a lathe circa 1900. Lew Attached Images

12th September 2006, 06:32 AM	#2
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	I have to agree with the perception the walking stick is fairly new. I to see lathe marks. I also think I see glue by the knob. He paid three figures? Lets I exchanged Rand yesterday at 7.36 per dollar. So lets say R150, that's three figures, $20.38. The attached picture is of a milkpail my wife got. It has that dark finish also. The darkness is supossed to come from the smoke in the rondaval. Notice the surface finish of the milk pail. It's rough and marked and not polished as these two item are. I think the axe has been refinished. Authenticity, will have come from some one more knowledgeable. The Walking stick is nice but has some quality that says new made. The checkering should be worn or even damaged if old.

12th September 2006, 11:28 AM	#3
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	The seller has agreed to a return and refund. But I dislike doing this, espcially if they could be authentic, he insists they are. I would still like to know more if there are any other opinions? I met the curator of African art at the Michael C Carlos Museum here in Atlanta some time ago and will email her a link to this thread. She was born in south Africa. Maybe she will have an answer. If I can get an appointment, I'll take these two pieces to her.