Description:

Oceania, Polynesia, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A bill or "sword" of a sailfish (marlin / swordfish) mounted as a blade! The wooden handle is covered in cow horn and an aluminum guard. Pacific Islanders used these bills for weapons and tools and sailors from around the world crafted swords and scrimshawed these bills as well. The sailfish bill projects from their heads, and is in fact their upper jaw! Sailfish are the fastest marine animal, and they chase schools of fish for food. This long jaw does not spear the fish but has tiny teeth that will slash and injure these smaller fish as they speed through the water. Their large size makes them a prized trophy fish for sport fisherman, but they are not particularly known for their taste. Size: 29.5" L x 2.5" W (74.9 cm x 6.4 cm); 31.3" H (79.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#135699

  • Condition: Chips to bill tip. Abrasions and chips to horn. Bill is slightly loose where the metal meets the wood / horn handle.

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February 1, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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