Singularly Fine & Superb 1870's Zulu War Souvenir. A Zulu Chief's 'Knobkerrie' War Club. In Fabulous Used Condition, Bearing Superb Colour and Patination. & Incredibly Effective as Both a Weapon and Symbol of Power And Status Within The Zulu Kingdom

Of impressive size, and a heavy example, as to be expected, for a Zulu chief, and, highly effective it truly was in its day. In superb condition piece with magnificent patination. It would have very likely used by one of the Zulu chiefs listed below;

During the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War, the Zulu nation was led by King Cetshwayo kaMpande. The army was commanded by various high-ranking chiefs and princes, including Ntshingwayo Khoza, Mavumengwana kaNdlela, Dabulamanzi kaMpande, and Mnyamana Buthelezi. Following defeat, the British split the kingdom into 13 "kinglets" or chiefs.

Key military commanders and leaders (Amakhosi) included:
Ntshingwayo Khoza: Led the Zulu army to victory at the Battle of Isandlwana.
Mavumengwana kaNdlela: Co-commander of the main Zulu force.
Dabulamanzi kaMpande: Cetshwayo's half-brother, who led forces at the Battle of Rorke's Drift.
Mnyamana kaNgqengelele Buthelezi: Chief minister and commander.
Zibhebhu kaMaphitha: Commander who later became one of the 13 appointed "kinglets".

While many regional chiefs fought, these commanders were also instrumental in the strategy and execution of the war against British forces.

An 1870's original souvenir of the Zulu War of 1879. A mighty and magnificent large example. Less than one in five hundred made were of this great size. Carved from a traditional, huge size, hardwood root, the Knobkerrie was one of the main arms of the Zulu warrior, used alongside his assegai spear. Interestingly the war club was frequently more effective in battle than the spear. In one to one combat, the Zulu Impi warrior was expertly trained to aim his club blow at an opponents head, which often gave a more catastrophic and urgently needed instant and debilitating result, whereas a spear stab, which may indeed give a mortal wound, might leave an opponent that could still effectively fight back for some considerable time. David Smith a former Royal Marine, was an assiduous collector of Zulu War artefacts that became the preeminent collection in the country. We were very privileged to know him and on occasion supply him with a choice artefact for his collection. Upon his sad death his collection was sold and achieved some world record breaking prices. This has helped to stimulate even more the ever growing collectors market in fine Zulu War period artefacts. During the 1879 Zulu War, two of most famous pair of engagements in the British army's history, during the last quarter of the 19th century, happened over two consecutive days. Curiously, it is fair to say that these two engagements, by the 24th Foot, against the mighty Zulu Impi, are iconic examples of how successful or unsuccessful leadership can result, in either the very best conclusion, or the very worst. And amazingly, within only one day of each other. The 1879 Zulu War, for the 24th Foot, will, for many, only mean two significant events, Isandlhwana and Rorke's Drift. This is the brief story of the 24th Foot in South Africa; In 1875 the 1st Battalion arrived in Southern Africa and subsequently saw service, along with the 2nd Battalion, in the 9th Xhosa War in 1878. In 1879 both battalions took part in the Zulu War, begun after a British invasion of Zululand, ruled by Cetshwayo. The 24th Foot took part in the crossing of the Buffalo River on 11 January, entering Zululand. The first engagement (and the most disastrous for the British) came at Isandhlwana. The British had pitched camp at Isandhlwana and not established any fortifications due to the sheer size of the force, the hard ground and a shortage of entrenching tools. The 24th Foot provided most of the British force and when the overall commander, Lord Chelmsford, split his forces on 22 January to search for the Zulus, the 1st Battalion (5 companies) and a company of the 2nd Battalion were left behind to guard the camp, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pulleine (CO of the 1/24th Foot).

The Zulus, 22,000 strong, attacked the camp and their sheer numbers overwhelmed the British. As the officers paced their men far too far apart to face the coming onslaught. During the battle Lieutenant-Colonel Pulleine ordered Lieutenants Coghill and Melvill to save the Queen's Colour?the Regimental Colour was located at Helpmakaar with G Company. The two Lieutenants attempted to escape by crossing the Buffalo River where the Colour fell and was lost downstream, later being recovered. Both officers were killed. At this time the Victoria Cross (VC) was not awarded posthumously. This changed in the early 1900s when both Lieutenants were awarded posthumous Victoria Crosses for their bravery.

37 inches long, head 3.1 inches across, and 1.6 pounds weight.
The regular Impi warrior's war club would have a head around 2.5 inches across, and a regular it would be around 3/4 of a pound in weight.

Code: 26180