Mystery Texas Blade?

[Jim McDougall]

Pretty compelling Ken, nice work!

It seems the blade on this is a bit excessive as most of these examples tend to more resemble fluer de lis and certain heraldic type devices.
I am still puzzled by that distinct central ridge on the blade.
I suppose it may be possible for this to be a blacksmiths interpretation of a sword.
I am always amazed at how industrious these early frontier blacksmiths were. I recall for example what we thought were early lance heads turned out to be actually cattle prods.

[M ELEY]

Hmm...I remain unconvinced that it is a decorative fence spike. A tool perhaps, as those implements are always popping up resembling their military cousins. The crosspiece looks too much like a guard to me, but because we are guessing...we are guessing!

The reinforced/raised ridge does resemble a feature found on many bayonets. I've seen French sword blades with this odd feature as well. I'm reminded of the way many of the Span colonial iron pieces were secured to hilts/hafts/shafts being quite different than their contemporaries. Early Span trade axes were axe heads sandwiched in between a split haft. Espada often had odd hilt configurations, with the tang again sandwiched in between slats of wood. My point being, perhaps IF this were a pole arm, it never had an open socket, but could have been secured to the pole via straps? I know, going fishing here. I have a feeling this is going to be one of those items we never get clarity on-

[Helleri]

It appears that the quillions are bladed as well?

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Helleri

It appears that the quillions are bladed as well?

The more I look at this, and in accord with this observation, this resembles possibly a 'pseudo-artifact' much in the line of the 'Silverbell artifacts' of Tucson Arizona. These are lead items which are decorated with alleged classical Latin inscriptions, images of swords, crosses etc. and seem to have been 'planted' in these areas in early 20th c.
They were 'discovered' in 1924 and after much scrutiny, claimed to be 'fakes' by well known antiquarians.
It is believed they were fashioned by a young Mexican boy skilled in lead sculpting (these were lead) and who had a fascination with foreign languages and history.

The 'ribs' on this item may be of course from casting molds?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

A CATTLE BRANDING IRON.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

A CATTLE BRANDING IRON.

Good one Ibrahiim!!!
Actually, some time ago we were examining a Spanish colonial item which appeared to be a lance head (which I would consider with this if there was a socket). Said item turned out to be an ox goad (Simmons and Turley, 1980, p.87). While of course in some degree disappointing, it must be remembered that on these frontiers, even the most pedestrian and utilitarian items also served as weapons as required. There remains the admittedly remote possibility that this might have been a blacksmith 'test' project, however iron was a precious commodity and typically recycled as required, so that may discount this idea.

*"Southwestern Colonial Ironwork", Simmons & Turley, 1980, is an outstanding resource!!

[CSinTX]

Thanks everyone for their thoughts. Unfortunately I do not have the item in possession so I cant offer any more on it.

I do wonder if it could be a very large tent stake. That might explain the odd bend that could result from being driven in to the hard ground found in that area.