Whalers Flensing Knife

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/16/2021

c. 1760 18th century, Whaler’s Iron Flensing Blade with a Maker’s Mark, type used to remove the outer layer of Blubber from a Whale carcass, overall length of 13.5”, Very Fine. A true early Whaler’s Flensing Knife, the essential tool in the whaling trade used to remove the outer layer of blubber from a whale carcass. The blade on this example measures a full large 13.5” long and is riveted into a circular mount for attachment to a long pole. Flensing knives are massive in size, yet akin to a surgeon’s amputation knife with a long blade that ends in a curved tip. Its iron surfaces have a natural smooth dark patina from age with a maker's mark and sharp curved blade. Originally said to be from a maritime naval collection, believed by the consignor to have been used by the Edinburgh Whale-Fishing company established in 1749. This is one of the nicer examples we have offered.

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