Very old knife!!!

[digordie]

Hey guys i found this knife in a remote farmers field that has indian artifacts all over. I know its old but i was wondering how old. Any ideas? Its been hit by plows a time or two. I have it diplayed on a regular sheet of paper so show size.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Cool find. I'll go with mid-1800's. That is a "Rat Tail" tang (where the handle goes), but hard to say

 

[digordie]

Thanks for the responce. The only rat tails like this that ive seen on line where old roman knives. Why were they made like this. Could it be older than mid 1800s?

 

[Terry Soloman]

Thanks for the responce. The only rat tails like this that ive seen on line where old roman knives. Why were they made like this. Could it be older than mid 1800s?

Rat Tail tangs are still used today, but are considered "cheap," or less desirable than a Full Tang handle. Sure, it could be from the 1600's for all I know! Do you have a local college or university that you could take it to? Make some calls in your area.

 

[digordie]

Ya thats prob a good idea. Did they make them this way to fashion to deer antler or bone handles, or wood handles?

 

[hotrod]

very cool