Mounting Swords and Spears on the Wall

A

Animatronic Fireman

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Sep 16, 2011
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I bought three African Zulu short spears from a collector and want to mount them in either an X pattern with one going straight up the middle or in a fan shape. I don't have a shield so I'd like the method to securing the spears to the wall to be fairly unobtrusive/discreet.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this or any recommendations on plaques to buy.

With my military swords I think I will have one rest through my deer antlers, but not sure what I'll do with the other one.

Thanks (Mods, feel free to move this to another forum...not sure where to put it)
 
I'd be afraid of some guest pulling one off and playing with it !
You could find pictures of a shield and make one from that out of plywood.That could cover a secure fixture to hold the spears.
 
I appreciate the reply but I don't think I could do it justice. These are authentic spears made between 1800 and 1900, one of them is covered in what looks to be wildebeest hair...I think a home made shield would detract from it.
 
I think you should support the bottom....unless something is actually attached through the pole (which I'm assuming you don't want to do), you run the risk of it loosening.

I've heard about this....never actually saw it. But, a cap of some kind supporting the base of each, and a strong but thin metal brace made of rods and formed in an "X". Cap at the end and a hook at the top; brace attached to wall, spears resting in the cap and hook. If the rods are thinner than the spear shafts, the shafts should cover the brace adequately enough, unless someone is standing next to it.
 
The three spears are the ones I'd like hung with the hairy one in the middle and the other two crossed. Not sure what I'll do with the clubs just yet.

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I am going to put this sword through the antler's of my buck once it gets mounted on the wall.
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Ok...images aren't showing up, this is the first time I have tried to post an image to BF, I'm using Flikr....any suggestions?
 
If you take hardware that would be used to hang a heavy picture or mirror and paint it to match your wall you can use that as an anchor point to tie to. Take that with 50lb clear monofilament and tie them off with some inconspicuous knots that are used for fishing. That way everything you use will not grab your eye but if you need to take them down to clean you just clip the line and re-rig it to put it back. This won't cost you much and should be fairly easy. I think museums do something similar but probably used specialty hardware instead of off the shelf hardware store stuff.
 
Those are really neat looking weapons and will look great on your wall, thanks for the link to your photo.
 
Personally, I would take clear acrylic rod, drill and countersink a hole for an anchor bolt down the center, then cut a half round into the end so it fits the spear/object. Drill a small hole above the countersink through the side, all the way through. Use some wire, fishing ling, whatever to tie the shaft to the mount after it is attached to the wall.

Also, I don't think an X or fan will look great unless you have plenty of wall space around it on all sides and a fairly symmetrical room. I think laid out horizontally and cascading one direction or the other might suit the average 8 foot walls better in most homes. Setting things vertical will lead the eyes up and down, then the points of the spears will be way above eye level not allowing people to view them closely. Laid out horizontal will allow people to view them closer, will continue the eye around the room to other similar decor and allow easier dusting and cleaning.


-Xander
 
@Swampdog - you're welcome! Thanks for checking them out.

@ast14riot - thanks for the advice, definitely something to consider. The guy I bought them from had a special stand commissioned. It looks to be about the size of a bar stand so that all the spears are point up and nice viewing/handling level......it's super impressive as he has around 20 of them in the stand. Horizontal would be easier to do for sure. I'm trying to purchase some more swords, so I'll definitely have a project to get it all set up when it gets here.

@boring - you're welcome! Thanks for checking them out.

Cheers everyone!
 
Discreet not really, you could add to them with some nice hooks though. I've made hooks out of trees like these...
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or you could go to a local arts festival and buy hand forged hooks from a blacksmith or online
 
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