Some 'aggressive' tool for ID

[Madnumforce]

I have two or three coupe-foins américains, I'll check in what side is the front handle. I don't think it's very significant though, as precisely the coupe-foin américain should be held with the rear handle in the right hand, while the coupe-foin du Centre, for the exact same function, should be held rear handle in the left hand, even in its standard pattern, always designed for right-handed people. Maybe the one you have was made for a left-handed user, but maybe not. It's hard to tell...

But the "Lightning" hay knife can be dated quite precisely, as it's an actual invention and not a traditional pattern, and was patented by George Weymouth of Dresden (somewhere in the USA I guess, not the real Dresden) in 1871. So there is no chance that any of these was ever used for combat.

But that socketed thing you have seems quite interesting. It could have been designed as a weapon, but could also have been a tool. I know of no similar tool in France, but there are sometimes very specialised tools we rarely come across. Anyway, it's always a good thing to grab unusual old tools, when they're cheap. So many probably ends up scrapped.

[Pukka Bundook]

The type of hay -knife I used as a lad, looked closest to N0 1883. (Heart shaped, ) These would be about 16 " wide at the top of the 'heart'. (40 CM)

One point if I may;
Some working tools will show up with (for example) British War Department broad arrows on them.
Some may take this as evidence that they were used as weapons.
No, this is a false conclusion usually.
What it usually means, is that the tool, (a billhook for instance) was part of the kit for most infantry or gun sections, for cutting brush and/for camouflage work.
I still have a1916 WD Billhook that grandfather probably purchased as Army Surplus between the wars. Still use it a lot as well! It Would make a rather devastating weapon, but such was not its intended use.

We also have a 1917 dated draw-knife , broad arrow marked.
(This is my 'new' one. :-) My old one that has lived with our family for generations, was made between 1790 and 1811 if I remember correctly.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Pukka Bundook

... We also have a 1917 dated draw-knife , broad arrow marked.... (This is my 'new' one. :-) My old one that has lived with our family for generations, was made between 1790 and 1811 if I remember correctly...

Interesting to realize that, in line with the dual use of tools, you might as well "draw" someone's neck with such device; you just have to aproach him by the back .

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by fernando

Interesting to realize that, in line with the dual use of tools, you might as well "draw" someone's neck with such device; you just have to aproach him by the back .

Talking about inside curve weapons, I've always wanted one of these: Fairbairn's 'Cobra'

[fernando]

Such an early weapon, Wayne; ambitious horizons .

[kronckew]

well, i got one of these instead, tad older...

[fernando]

Tad ...

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Madnumforce

I have two or three coupe-foins américains, I'll check in what side is the front handle.... Maybe the one you have was made for a left-handed user, but maybe not. It's hard to tell...

Just considering that left handed implements tend to be rare, specially early ones, as being off standard they had to be ordered, making them unique. I am glad i have a XVI century left handed sword.