🔎 UNIDENTIFIED Help Dating Metal Arrow

[iliveinahole]

Really not sure how old this is or where at came from, but would appreciate any help 😁
The fletching or fins are obviously broke off and the shaft isn't round or consistent from one end to the other.
Thanks in advance!

 

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[crashbandicoot]

Fish spear?

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

I think it is a homemade item, not anything commercially bought, also it doesn't have a nock for a string to go into, maybe it was more like a spear (dart) for an atlatl. The length is pretty short for a bow, my bow draws at 30 inches. These are my thoughts, by no means a definite I.D. just my observations. Cool find though.

 

[iliveinahole]

I think it is a homemade item, not anything commercially bought, also it doesn't have a nock for a string to go into, maybe it was more like a spear (dart) for an atlatl. The length is pretty short for a bow, my bow draws at 30 inches. These are my thoughts, by no means a definite I.D. just my observations. Cool find though.

Appreciate your info and didn't think about the notch. Gave me some things to look into. Thanks!

 

[Older The Better]

Not saying definitely not because they made points out of almost anything but it doesn’t resemble any styles of Native American trade points I’m aware of also in most places the wood wouldn’t hold up, looks like maybe someone was practicing some metal work…. Come to think of it that’s not how they hafted their points anyway.

 

[Tony in SC]

Just curious, will a magnet stick to it?

 

[dozer dan]

It appears to still have remnants of fletching on it. At only 18” it seems too short for anything other than a crossbow.

 

[crashbandicoot]

It appears to still have remnants of fletching on it. At only 18” it seems too short for anything other than a crossbow.

My first thought was a crossbow bolt.

 

[GoldieLocks]

Not an arrow shape that seems likely functional given it is flat. I go with decorative novelty item.

 

[thormchammer]

Really not sure how old this is or where at came from, but would appreciate any help 😁
The fletching or fins are obviously broke off and the shaft isn't round or consistent from one end to the other.
Thanks in advance!

Looking at the head, that appears to be hammered metal. Given your comment about the imperfect shaft, and the poor head design, and the lack of a notch, I’m found with someone’s attempt at a homemade arrow. 18” is too long for a crossbow bolt, normally, and shorter than arrows, but not all. If someone was working on an old school short bow, could explain it. It looks like they tried to fletch it with wrapped wire too. Are there 2 fletches or 3? It doesn’t strike me as long enough for an atlatl.

 

[UnderMiner]

Looks like something some kid made in the Scouts.

 

[iliveinahole]

Just curious, will a magnet stick to it?

Yup 👍

 

[iliveinahole]

Looking at the head, that appears to be hammered metal. Given your comment about the imperfect shaft, and the poor head design, and the lack of a notch, I’m found with someone’s attempt at a homemade arrow. 18” is too long for a crossbow bolt, normally, and shorter than arrows, but not all. If someone was working on an old school short bow, could explain it. It looks like they tried to fletch it with wrapped wire too. Are there 2 fletches or 3? It doesn’t strike me as long enough for an atlatl.

Really appreciate you covering all possibilities and input. I looked online for quite awhile, but you and the others kicked Google searchs' ass. Hadn't even considered the crossbow before.
So as far as the shaft not being "perfect"; it is straight but that it's not round from one end to the other. There's some flat spots and you can feel edges with your fingertip as you turn it.
It had two fletches and can see a tiny bit of their remnants. Did just notice a small indentation on the shaft by the end. Not the notch for the bow. It could possibly be from some damage unrelated.
Thanks again for your insight. I appreciate all you guys. Here's a couple more pics attempting to show the dent in back and "flat" area.

 

[Gare]

What about a arrow made for spear fishing ? Cross Bow ?