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Advisory Panel
Originally Posted by
mrclark303
Very interested to know what fish/animal skin was used for the handle
Is it not shark skin?
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12-08-2017 07:58 PM
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Contributing Member
Could be Jim, I think Ray skin was used quite a lot due to its texture and durability, I would imagine that's what we have here, but I can't be sure.
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Advisory Panel
Originally Posted by
mrclark303
Ray skin
Yes, sort of the same I think. When shark skin is talked of I think it's actually ray. I had a Japanese Naval dagger here to repair and tried to gently wash the filthy grip, the skin immediately took almost liquid form again and scared me off any further attempt. I stretched it flat and let it dry again, it was hard as nails again...
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Thank You to browningautorifle For This Useful Post:
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Contributing Member
Cheers Jim, its astonishing that a material like this can survive this long. The handle skin is still fully intact and serviceable.
If it is Ray skin, I can see why they used it, its perfect for grip and texture.
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Contributing Member
John,
Looks Scots to me mate from its general bearing, and ones I have seen before. Be interested to hear what the experts say. The strikes on its edge show it was clearly used effectively for which it was intended. Almost has the presence of a Basket Hill backsword which had German blades around the 1750's
Last edited by Gil Boyd; 12-09-2017 at 04:44 AM.
'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA
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Thank You to Gil Boyd For This Useful Post:
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Contributing Member
Cheers Gil, much appreciate the input, I await further information with great interest..
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Legacy Member
What a remarkable piece. The copper wire knot at the back of the grip is a 'turks head' and is a common decorative theme in maritime circles, the earliest 'modern' depiction is by da Vinci, but there is a Roman mosaic which shows the shape of the knot also.
Keep Calm
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Fix Bayonets
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