An Indian Knife

[knife7knut]

This particular knife was acquired from my uncle about 20 years ago.His son Jack was a collector of Indian artifacts among other things and had passed away of a brain aneurism at a relatively early age(36).

My uncle had called and told me that he had a knife for my collection.It was a bit strange as my uncle and I weren't on the best of terms(a long story going back to when I was a kid)but I was curious.

He explained that he was going through some of Jack's personal effects and had come across the knife.It had been obtained in a large collection of local Indian artifacts and for some reason Jack had held on to it.

It appears to be an old butcher knife blade with a hollowed out bone for a handle.It is a bit unusual in that the bone is apparently filled with lead as it is quite handle heavy.The wrappings around the handle are riveted copper.The blade has an arrow gouged into one side and a snake on the other.

To me it is an interesting old knife.It also has a bit of meaning in that it belonged to my cousin and it led to my uncle and I becoming friends again.Hope you enjoy it.

[Forensic Jim]

Knife7knut, That knife is just amazing. Any idea how old it is? I wonder what history that knife has gone through.

[knife7knut]

Knife7knut, That knife is just amazing. Any idea how old it is? I wonder what history that knife has gone through.

Don't have a clue as both my cousin and uncle are gone now.This is one of those knives I wish could speak.Bet it could tell some stories.

[Gunsmoke47]

That is just a very neat knife. A treasure for sure. Thanks, for sharing knife7knut!

[Mossdancer]

k7k;
Great piece. Did you or any of your family get any other pieces from the large collection you mentioned the knife came from. Oft times the only info that can be garnered may come from other articles within the same collection. If your desire for info is great enough you might contact any local University in the area you obtained the knife from. Their early American studies laboratory might be able to lend you a hand.
Thanks for showing your treasure.
moss

[knife7knut]

k7k;
Great piece. Did you or any of your family get any other pieces from the large collection you mentioned the knife came from. Oft times the only info that can be garnered may come from other articles within the same collection. If your desire for info is great enough you might contact any local University in the area you obtained the knife from. Their early American studies laboratory might be able to lend you a hand.
Thanks for showing your treasure.
moss

I'm really not sure where the rest of the collection went.Both my aunt and uncle are gone and their daughter was estranged from the family for years.Jack's wife is living on their ranch in Costa Rica with their children as far as I know;I haven't spoken with them in years.

From what I understand,he used to deal in Indian artifacts(among "other"things)and spent as much time overseas as he did in this country.He even offered me a job once at his ranch doing security work.Needless to say I passed on that one.So they could have been from anywhere in the country.Thanks for the advice though.

[Paladin]

Great post, great story and great knife!!

Ray