3407 RARE SPANISH COLONIAL HOCKING KNIFE

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2026 May 29 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 100.00 USD
Estimated at 200.00 - 400.00 USD
(DESJARRETADERAS). This Spanish Colonial hocking knife, 9" half-moon blade, 7" forged attachment for the end of a long wooden shaft, 10-12' as it was used. This tool was used extensively in New Spain, Mexico to California during the late 17th and early 18th centuries to disable buffalo or cattle by approaching an animal from behind and use the blade to cut the rear leg, severing muscle & tendon causing animal to collapse with no use of cut legs, then be dispatched with sword or spear. This tool was prevalent before horseman's firearms were not reliable. At the time, roping cattle was not a common skill and would not become widespread until much later, the hocking knife was a dependable tool for managing and harvesting cattle. In the hands of a few experienced vaqueros, entire herds could be controlled. CONDITION: very good overall, heavy iron patina. PROVENANCE: Estate collection of Compton LaBauve Jr. (02-26479-2/JS). NON-GUN. $200-400.