Ancient Spear Or Forgery?

Conogre · 16th April 2005, 03:35 AM

The uses are many, including those listed by Tom, while another common usage for similar items was/is as gate and wall fillials in large estates, with smaller, spear-like heads mounted on the bars themselves.....I've seen variuos polearm heads, both simulated and real, used as such in SE Asia, the US and in photographs from S. America as well and suspect similar may be found throughout Europe.
Cast iron "replicas" are often made locally for theatrical use as well, as I've known gentlemen who produce such in both Michigan and here in Florida as well.
Oh...and don't forget flagpole fillials, both on today's pieces and on regimental/company military flagpoles from the erly 1900's back to the revolutionary period here in the US, as well as for fraternal organizations that can cover a wide range of time periods.
With the apparenty flattened edges and heavy weight, I suspect that yours may well have been used in the latter fashion.
Mike

Andrew · 16th April 2005, 05:09 AM

I've linked this thead to MyArmoury. Perhaps someone over there can add to the discussion.

http://www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewto...?p=38715#38715

Conogre · 16th April 2005, 05:21 AM

Is it too late to say, "if you don't want it........."?**grin**
Obviously, I personally find it has a certain appeal
Mike

tom hyle · 16th April 2005, 01:43 PM

Tim, good pics; thanks; I didn't see them before? I do think that if one examined the ones you picture one would find them much lighter than this piece.
I wouldn't say this piece is in decorative condition; quite the opposite, actually; it seems to have lost much of its appearance, but to be still quite solid (for cast iron, if that's what it is), and likely close to as useful as it ever was.
There's nothing short about the socket, unless it's not hollow its full length.
I do think it's a casting, mainly because of the seemingly excessive and impractical weight of various features, and if so, then it was, of course, made as a decorative/ceremonial/etc. piece. Dang English tourist spears

That's a joke.....................................

Conogre · 16th April 2005, 10:12 PM

Look at it this way....put it on a good solid pole and you've got one that you can throw at a tree all day without worrying about damage.......I do suggest a BIG tree though!**grin**
Mike

16th April 2005, 03:35 AM	#1
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	The uses are many, including those listed by Tom, while another common usage for similar items was/is as gate and wall fillials in large estates, with smaller, spear-like heads mounted on the bars themselves.....I've seen variuos polearm heads, both simulated and real, used as such in SE Asia, the US and in photographs from S. America as well and suspect similar may be found throughout Europe. Cast iron "replicas" are often made locally for theatrical use as well, as I've known gentlemen who produce such in both Michigan and here in Florida as well. Oh...and don't forget flagpole fillials, both on today's pieces and on regimental/company military flagpoles from the erly 1900's back to the revolutionary period here in the US, as well as for fraternal organizations that can cover a wide range of time periods. With the apparenty flattened edges and heavy weight, I suspect that yours may well have been used in the latter fashion. Mike

16th April 2005, 05:09 AM	#2
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	I've linked this thead to MyArmoury. Perhaps someone over there can add to the discussion. http://www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewto...?p=38715#38715

16th April 2005, 05:21 AM	#3
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	Is it too late to say, "if you don't want it........."?grin Obviously, I personally find it has a certain appeal Mike

16th April 2005, 01:43 PM	#4
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	Tim, good pics; thanks; I didn't see them before? I do think that if one examined the ones you picture one would find them much lighter than this piece. I wouldn't say this piece is in decorative condition; quite the opposite, actually; it seems to have lost much of its appearance, but to be still quite solid (for cast iron, if that's what it is), and likely close to as useful as it ever was. There's nothing short about the socket, unless it's not hollow its full length. I do think it's a casting, mainly because of the seemingly excessive and impractical weight of various features, and if so, then it was, of course, made as a decorative/ceremonial/etc. piece. Dang English tourist spears That's a joke.....................................

16th April 2005, 10:12 PM	#5
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	Look at it this way....put it on a good solid pole and you've got one that you can throw at a tree all day without worrying about damage.......I do suggest a BIG tree though!grin Mike