This rare iklwa was a government issued weapon provided to Zulu members of the South African Police and Prison Service in the first half of the 20th Century. Native members of the South African army were also issued with spears as late as WW2.
The 340mm blade has a flattened diamond cross-section, with a medial ridge running to the point. The blade is 48mm wide and in excellent condition.
The blade has a 230mm long socket that is riveted to the hardwood haft. The rear section of the socket has a part struck Union of South Africa ownership mark, an arrow within the letter U. The union of South Africa was founded in 1910. The blade is firm in the haft.
The hardwood haft measures 890mm and flares towards the end which is finished with an iron butt cap. Above the butt cap is a thumb groove and what appears to be another Union of South Africa ownership mark. Beside this is the number 4. The thumb groove is present so that when on parade, the placement of the thumb in the groove when shouldering arms, ensures that all the blades are presented uniformly.
The iklwa has a total length of 1,470mm or 57 3/4 inches.
This rarely encountered and history rich Zulu police spear is in excellent condition.
