need help with an all-steel Chopper.

Cerjak · 14th July 2021, 07:23 PM

more pics

Ian · 14th July 2021, 07:32 PM

Hi Cerjak,

Your item is (somewhat) reminiscent of a Moplah chopper from the Malabar coast of India.

Ian.

Cerjak · 14th July 2021, 07:44 PM

Hi Iain

I am well aware that dating this type of weapon is difficult.
but do you have any idea of the age?

David R · 14th July 2021, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cerjak

Hi Iain

I am well aware that dating this type of weapon is difficult.
but do you have any idea of the age?

Well it looks to be engraved or chiselled rather than etched, so I think it's earlier rather than later.

Ian · 15th July 2021, 03:37 AM

Hi Cerjak,

I have another small example with engraved designs that was discussed here. As far as age, I think your example is older than mine. I thought mine may have been second half of the 19th C, so I would say your chopper could be early 19th C, or even 18th C. As you note, the dating of such pieces is very difficult based on appearance, and any estimate of age must be very tentative.

Ian.

ausjulius · 16th July 2021, 08:14 AM

the blade is a Cambodians a shape of billhook for sure. .. you see these in places that were ethnically populated with cambodians... southern vietnam and parts of laos and eastern thailand.. and.. cambodia... normally with a 1 foot to 3 foot handle... i have never seen ones with an iron handle.. which looks very indian indeed. it is very curious.. unless there is an identical oddly shaped billhook style like that in some part of india that ive never seen.. normally indian bills dont take that backset blade.. (rightly so.. its VERY akward to use)

ausjulius · 16th July 2021, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ausjulius

the blade is a Cambodians a shape of billhook for sure. .. you see these in places that were ethnically populated with cambodians... southern vietnam and parts of laos and eastern thailand.. and.. cambodia... normally with a 1 foot to 3 foot handle... i have never seen ones with an iron handle.. which looks very indian indeed. it is very curious.. unless there is an identical oddly shaped billhook style like that in some part of india that ive never seen.. normally indian bills dont take that backset blade.. (rightly so.. its VERY akward to use)

an here i eat my words.. for afew rupees one could be yous
https://m.indiamart.com/proddetail/b...418540648.html

exactly as the cambodian billhooks.. southern india it is. interesting akward shap isnt it.. i have several cambotian ones and a vietnames one and they really.. ARE NOT great to use when compared with other bills..
this one is definatly meant as some sort of weapon..

i wounder then if this odd shape was introduced to cambodia from india.. as it is a very distinct shape

14th July 2021, 07:23 PM	#1
Cerjak Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: FRANCE Posts: 1,064	more pics more pics Attached Images

14th July 2021, 07:32 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,041	Hi Cerjak, Your item is (somewhat) reminiscent of a Moplah chopper from the Malabar coast of India. Ian.

14th July 2021, 07:44 PM	#3
Cerjak Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: FRANCE Posts: 1,064	Hi Iain I am well aware that dating this type of weapon is difficult. but do you have any idea of the age?

15th July 2021, 03:37 AM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,041	Hi Cerjak, I have another small example with engraved designs that was discussed here. As far as age, I think your example is older than mine. I thought mine may have been second half of the 19th C, so I would say your chopper could be early 19th C, or even 18th C. As you note, the dating of such pieces is very difficult based on appearance, and any estimate of age must be very tentative. Ian.

16th July 2021, 08:14 AM	#6
ausjulius Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: musorian territory Posts: 415	the blade is a Cambodians a shape of billhook for sure. .. you see these in places that were ethnically populated with cambodians... southern vietnam and parts of laos and eastern thailand.. and.. cambodia... normally with a 1 foot to 3 foot handle... i have never seen ones with an iron handle.. which looks very indian indeed. it is very curious.. unless there is an identical oddly shaped billhook style like that in some part of india that ive never seen.. normally indian bills dont take that backset blade.. (rightly so.. its VERY akward to use)