Large Beja Ham-Stringing Curved Knife

Comprising a thin triangular two-edged blade in a carved wooden hilt with integral crossguard and pommel with a conical button; wooden sheath with leather covering, two braided leather thongs each forming a thick suspension loop and similar binding forming a chape. 172 grams, 26.2 cm



From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.

Comprising: a curved panel with a rolled rim, horizontal carinated bands and median bowed band with diagonal slash detailing, fluted lower edge with holes for articulating rivets; group of three plates with vertical fluting, with sliding rivets providing articulation; with matching '1.306' reference numbers. 424 grams total, 22.3-24.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. From a gentleman's collection from East Sussex, UK.

The matched reference numbers could indicate that the pieces came from the same harness. One piece appears to be a piece of a tasset – a thigh defence. The embossed band is imitating the fashionable ‘puffed and slashed’ textile garments seen on 16th-century armour. Sixteenth-century armour often imitated textile fashions in their form and decorative elements. The second piece may be a tasset. The incised lines for the fluting on the exterior surface appear to be of more mechanical manufacture, as do the slot for the sliding rivet and the empty rivet hole on one side.

Comprising a flared mouth and band of annulets beneath, stepped shoulder developing to pentagonal-section spike with raised spur to each face. 191 grams, 23.5 cm



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.