Inscriptions in Navajas, for Chris and who else

Battara · 11th April 2007, 02:12 AM

I'm not sure about the history, although I was told by another dealer in African weapons years ago that it is a Voortrekker knife, perhaps before the Great Trek by the Boers in what is now South Africa, when they made a trek up into the Transvaal in Northern South Africa, about 1850. It is crudly hand engraved cursive script.

Usually I'm not much into European, but this puppy caught my eye years ago (for dirt) and have enjoyed it's uniqueness.

Chris Evans · 11th April 2007, 11:29 AM

Hi Battara,

Quote:

It is crudly hand engraved cursive script.

Well, that was generally the case with the Spanish cutlers. It may well be that that navaja was custom made for a Boer who was in Spain at the time. I suppose that we'll never know - Most intiguing.

Quote:

Usually I'm not much into European, but this puppy caught my eye years ago (for dirt) and have enjoyed it's uniqueness.

Look after it and enjoy - It is a fascinating and very unusual piece.

Cheers
Chris

11th April 2007, 02:12 AM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	I'm not sure about the history, although I was told by another dealer in African weapons years ago that it is a Voortrekker knife, perhaps before the Great Trek by the Boers in what is now South Africa, when they made a trek up into the Transvaal in Northern South Africa, about 1850. It is crudly hand engraved cursive script. Usually I'm not much into European, but this puppy caught my eye years ago (for dirt) and have enjoyed it's uniqueness.