Interesting mystery.

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 61 Location : UK

http://www.rorkesdriftvc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2196

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 44

Is it possible to get a photo of the back of the item.

Posts : 269 Join date : 2010-12-02 Location : Kloof, KZN

I can offer some support for the conclusion that the buckle is ERII and post-1953. I have three assegais that were made in the mid-1950's by the last traditional Zulu blacksmith in the Bushman's River valley of Natal. His forge must have been in the same general area as the one reported by Ken Gillings and they could in fact be one and the same.

Also, Ken's forge is in remarkably good condition and this may be a reflection of its relatively young age. On most Zulu Iron Age sites it is only iron slag and fragments of flues that reveal the former presence of forges.

I know that some (?many, ?most) members of the new Zulu elite are not keen to be reminded of their Iron Age ancestors, but I wonder if one of them might not be interested in giving the blacksmith site some kind of acknowledgement and protection. Also, the Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg is (or was) a centre for Iron Age studies, so reporting the find of the forge to this institution might help in its future protection.

Brett

Subject: Re: Interesting mystery. Wed Apr 20, 2011 10:16 pm

I'll keep everyone posted as and when more information is forthcoming. Regards, Ken

Subject: Re: Interesting mystery. Wed Apr 20, 2011 10:41 pm

Thanks Ken.

Subject: Interesting Mystery Thu Apr 21, 2011 6:08 am

Hi Ken .
Thanks for keeping us informed much appreciated.
cheers 90th. Idea

Subject: Re: Interesting mystery. Thu Apr 21, 2011 5:41 pm

Fascinating mystery...looking forward to it being solved

Posts : 527 Join date : 2009-02-28

Fascinating indeed, no doubt the story behind the item and how it came to be where it was found will also be fascinating. I'm sure we all have faith in Ken. I want to know what the numbers stamp on the item represent.

Subject: Re: Interesting mystery. Thu Apr 21, 2011 8:59 pm

I would guess it came off a Brass bound Millitary Chest. Personal or Regimental.

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