Unknown handle

Freddy · 18th March 2009, 09:24 PM

I got this one today. The seller said it was an Indonesian handle, dating from before 1940. That's all she knows.

Perhaps some forumite might 'enlighten' me. If possible, can someone show me one with a blade.

The handle is made out of wood, with the lower portion covered with metal wire. The top has two man made holes, which don't connect.
Total length : 14,5 cm.

Sajen · 18th March 2009, 10:56 PM

Hello Freddy,
it would be interesting to see the handle in the view from the second picture complete.
regards,
sajen

colin henshaw · 19th March 2009, 08:11 AM

Its the broken-off tip from a Shona (Zimbabwe) dagger or sword, scabbard. The brass wire plaiting is typical.

Regards

Freddy · 19th March 2009, 11:35 AM

Sajen,

As requested a new pic.

Colin,

You are probably right. I've been searching for a similar Shona dagger on the net, but couldn't find one. Do you have a picture of a knife scabbard with a similar butt ?

Lew · 19th March 2009, 04:23 PM

I agree Zulu or Shona wire work. Shape of the hilt seems to be an elephant ears and trunk.

Lew

colin henshaw · 20th March 2009, 12:09 PM

Here is an image from an old Christies sale catalogue.

Regards

18th March 2009, 09:24 PM	#1
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	Unknown handle I got this one today. The seller said it was an Indonesian handle, dating from before 1940. That's all she knows. Perhaps some forumite might 'enlighten' me. If possible, can someone show me one with a blade. The handle is made out of wood, with the lower portion covered with metal wire. The top has two man made holes, which don't connect. Total length : 14,5 cm.

20th March 2009, 12:09 PM	#6
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	Here is an image from an old Christies sale catalogue. Regards Attached Images

18th March 2009, 10:56 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,468	Hello Freddy, it would be interesting to see the handle in the view from the second picture complete. regards, sajen

19th March 2009, 08:11 AM	#3
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	Its the broken-off tip from a Shona (Zimbabwe) dagger or sword, scabbard. The brass wire plaiting is typical. Regards

19th March 2009, 11:35 AM	#4
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	Sajen, As requested a new pic. Colin, You are probably right. I've been searching for a similar Shona dagger on the net, but couldn't find one. Do you have a picture of a knife scabbard with a similar butt ?

19th March 2009, 04:23 PM	#5
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	I agree Zulu or Shona wire work. Shape of the hilt seems to be an elephant ears and trunk. Lew