Will some of you american archaeological savvy folks Take a look at this item on ebay
It looks to me like there was a handle where the two holes are drilled, making it some sort of two-handed chopping device. I seem to recall something like this was used to chop straw to length for brooms. Or it could have had a lifting rope attatched at the hook, a hinge where the two holes are, and was lifted and allowed to drop and chop.
Could be a Ron Popeil prototype.
Just a guess.
We'll see if someone can say for sure.
Steve
If the hook was on the end it would be a classic "stock knife" The hook would be set in a steel ring mounted on top of a stump end. Small lengths of materiel would be placed under he blade and the handle would be levered down. With the other end anchored to the stump an enormous amount of cutting force could be applied. With the hook in the middle of the back I am not sure what purpose it would serve.
I can't tell if these two holes are threaded and champhered or not with my limited resolution. If they are tapped holes, this should age it somewhat.
Jim Kovar Vulcan, Mi
It *does* look like threads to me, The holes seem to have been added to the piece rather than in the original design. I don't think this thing was swung by hand, it's 3/16th. inch thick...maybe but it would have made for a long day in the cane fields swinging that thing.
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