East Indian Ceremonial Weapon Identification Help

DawnST · 31st May 2016, 08:45 PM

Hello!

I was hoping someone on this forum could help me identify the blade in the pictures below.

All that is known of this object is that it is an East Indian ceremonial piece that once had a shaft attached to the conical end. The entire object is about 50.5 cm in length, and the “clock hands” are about 13cm. There are varied serrations on both sides of the main blade, which is made out of an iron alloy. The two smaller blades attached below the dramatic curve are able to pivot around what appears to be a mechanism put in place to repair the original piece (newer pivot piece is shiny and crude). These movable blades also bear significant stamped designs: x’s, o’s, and crescents. Additionally, there are purposeful holes on the main blade at the end of the curve farthest from the pair of smaller blades that could have possibly houses a latch or other locking device for the small blades. Additional designs to note on this curious blade are the twisted patterns encircling the base just above the conical feature.

After gathering some research and opinions, I believe this piece was the end of a spear or javelin and primarily used as a status symbol rather than a functional weapon. Although there is no concrete evidence, the original 1918 Scott & D’Shaughnessy, Inc. auction house catalog the object was described in suggests the object is late 16th to early 17th century.

Any and all thoughts and references would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

31st May 2016, 08:45 PM	#1
DawnST Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 3	East Indian Ceremonial Weapon Identification Help Hello! I was hoping someone on this forum could help me identify the blade in the pictures below. All that is known of this object is that it is an East Indian ceremonial piece that once had a shaft attached to the conical end. The entire object is about 50.5 cm in length, and the “clock hands” are about 13cm. There are varied serrations on both sides of the main blade, which is made out of an iron alloy. The two smaller blades attached below the dramatic curve are able to pivot around what appears to be a mechanism put in place to repair the original piece (newer pivot piece is shiny and crude). These movable blades also bear significant stamped designs: x’s, o’s, and crescents. Additionally, there are purposeful holes on the main blade at the end of the curve farthest from the pair of smaller blades that could have possibly houses a latch or other locking device for the small blades. Additional designs to note on this curious blade are the twisted patterns encircling the base just above the conical feature. After gathering some research and opinions, I believe this piece was the end of a spear or javelin and primarily used as a status symbol rather than a functional weapon. Although there is no concrete evidence, the original 1918 Scott & D’Shaughnessy, Inc. auction house catalog the object was described in suggests the object is late 16th to early 17th century. Any and all thoughts and references would be greatly appreciated! Thanks. Attached Images