"Old" fixed Blade. Roman Knife

hamsco

hamsco

Joined
Oct 30, 2015
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A visit to the Museum today was delightful. (Speed Museum, Louisville KY)

Here is my knife report.

Ju33QWz.jpg


JyoKDwi.jpg
 
Interesting that the ivory is in far better shape than the bronze. Depends, of course, on the soil conditions & chemistry where it was buried (I'm assuming).
 
I don't think I've ever saw a knife as old as this one. That is definitely the heaviest patina I have ever saw but what strikes me most is the beautiful carving work on that Ivory. That knife most likely was one of the original owners most prized possessions and the maker of that knife was no doubt not just a run of the mill knife maker but a true artisan the Tony Bose or Todd Davison of his day. A very high quality piece to still be here after all this time. Very interesting knife Hamsco thanks so much for posting.
 
r redden said:
I don't think I've ever saw a knife as old as this one. That is definitely the heaviest patina I have ever saw but what strikes me most is the beautiful carving work on that Ivory. That knife most likely was one of the original owners most prized possessions and the maker of that knife was no doubt not just a run of the mill knife maker but a true artisan the Tony Bose or Todd Davison of his day. A very high quality piece to still be here after all this time. Very interesting knife Hamsco thanks so much for posting.
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I was amazed at the ivory carving also. Your welcome Randy
 
I'm wondering about the carving on the handle, which seems overly ornate — even uncomfortable for regular use — for a utilitarian object. Perhaps this was a presentation item or used in rituals? Unfortunately, the museum's website isn't any help in providing background on the item, location where found, etc.
 
AreBeeBee said:
I'm wondering about the carving on the handle, which seems overly ornate — even uncomfortable for regular use — for a utilitarian object. Perhaps this was a presentation item or used in rituals? Unfortunately, the museum's website isn't any help in providing background on the item, location where found, etc.
Click to expand...

Good point. Does not look like an EDC.
 
Unclear where it was found. If it was somewhere within the Imperium Romanum, and if my (admittedly weak) memory of later antiquity history still serves, there were many cult religions in the Roman world of that era, often coming from the eastern empire. (Christianity was considered such by the Roman elite.) The cults included one dedicated to Sol Invictus, the Unconquered Sun.

From the iconography on the coins at the wiki page, I'm not sure the Sun on the handle is "solar" or "invictusy" enough and it may just be a coincidence. But definitely an interesting object.
 
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