Lot 13B: 19th C. Forged Iron Cutting Spade

Lot 13B: 19th C. Forged Iron Cutting Spade

Estimate: $400 – $600

Cutting spade or boat spade, “used to cut blubber off whale after same has been lashed alongside of vessel.”, 4 1/4″ w, 17″ l; red painted end for pole, “They mount this on pole 10 to 12 ft long and stand on stage swinging from rigging of ship, which extends about 8 feet over the side of boat. This is a small size spade, and are kept as sharp as razors by means of oil stones.”, small brass circular museum tag affixed with wire “216”.

Description

Blubber knife – whaling