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. This iklwa is dated 1925.
The 350mm blade has a flattened diamond cross-section, with a medial ridge running to the point. The blade is 46mm wide and in excellent condition.
The blade has a 230mm long socket that is riveted to the hardwood haft. The first section of the socket is plain and is stamped with the Union of South Africa ownership mark, an arrow within the letter U. The union of South Africa was founded in 1910. Besides the Government ownership stamp is the date stamp 25 (1925), making this quite an early example of these rare spears. The opposite side of the socket bears the serial number 6992. The rear section of the socket has a knurled finish and bears a second, small Union of South Africa ownership mark. The blade is firm in the haft.
The hardwood haft measures 535mm and flares towards the end which is finished with an iron butt cap. The iklwa has a total length of 1,115mm or 44 inches.
This rarely encountered and history rich Zulu police spear is in excellent condition.
