British, Egypt Campaign, Fly Swatter
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $75.00

Original era manufacture. Ok, I'm making a leap of a national identification here, but since I am deep in the midst of studying the British campaigns in Egypt and Sudan in the 19th century, I'll put this out there for what it's worth. That the scourge of flies were endured by the troops stationed in these sunny climes isa matter of historical fact, that, and the apparent age and manufacture detailsinvolved withthis old"bug swatter"guides me to make this claim.The business end of the swatterisblack horse hair, measuring 23 inches in length by its longest strand. The hair is affixed to a brown painted, turnedwood handle with a brass collar. At the base of the handle is a circular knob, covered in an intricate basket weave of thin leather, above which is a pliable rawhide wrist strap, which will keep theweapon secure in the wielders hand when flailing about whilst under airborne attack. If memory serves, there are images of the ancient Pharaoh's holding such implements of insect doom, so perhaps another link to Tel El-Kebir....or not.