What IS This Thing, A Colonial African Fly Swater?

[Wyatt Burp]

I found this in an antique shop over fifteen years ago and bought just because I liked it. It reminds me of something a Dutch African colonist (Afrikkaners, I think) might use to swat flies away. Like the "Out Of Africa" period. But I really don't have a clue. I always assumed that was horse hair. It might be American for all I don't know. Any thoughts? That gun is there for size comparison. If it is African a Webley would be more apropriate.
EDIT: I just searched "African Fly Swatter" and there's some close examples. Should have thought of that befoe!

 

[mjr]

It very well may be an African fly whisk. These were made from the tails of various animals and were usually fairly plain but often had colorfully beaded handles. They were carried by tribal elders as a sign of something...being old, maybe. My father had quite a collection of these--my sister put them in storage after he died and insect larvae pretty well destroyed them.

On the other hand, it could be an artifact from Lady Helga's House of Correction.

 

[feralmerril]

I kinda though you might have found it in old san francisco?

 

[williamlayton]

I'm gonna keep my mouth shut on this one.
Blessings

 

[jlrhiner]

Ditto..........

 

[Leonard]

That is what it is, made of animal tail hairs and used to swat off tsetse fly's

 

[Frank237]

I'd say Texas or Mexican made.

 

[bettis1]

Quirt for a Broke Back cowboy.

Bob

 

[Lucky Joe]

I say it is indeed a quirt, they were popular in and around the 1870's and 1881's. I have a beautiful one laying somewhere out in a plowed field, it fell of the saddle while working a new mare. The field was wheat stubble when I was riding out there. I looked and looked and then it got plowed. Dang.

 

[bushmaster1313]

I think it looks more like a Colt SAA

I found this in an antique shop over fifteen years ago and bought just because I liked it. It reminds me of something a Dutch African colonist (Afrikkaners, I think) might use to swat flies away. Like the "Out Of Africa" period. But I really don't have a clue. I always assumed that was horse hair. It might be American for all I don't know. Any thoughts? That gun is there for size comparison. If it is African a Webley would be more apropriate.
EDIT: I just searched "African Fly Swatter" and there's some close examples. Should have thought of that befoe!

 

[DeathGrip]

I think it looks more like a Colt SAA

and a purty one at that.

 

[sipowicz]

It's an ACLU approved sap.

 

[mpi]

I've seen a few of those that were in fact disguised jacks! i sort of thought the first one i saw was for really BIG flys!

 

[mstuhr]

Swordstriper

Howdy,
I bet I could lay out a mean pinstripe with that!
Cool tool Matt.
Thanks
Mike

 

[NKJ nut]

I know exactly what that is

Or at least what I would use it for if I had it. I'd use it for tickling the nose of friends and family while they are sleeping or passed out drunk.

You wanna sell it Wyatt? I could use it in my line of work

 

[NKJ nut]

It's an ACLU approved sap.

The ACLU should know Saps; seeings as how they are one.

 

[whitecoyote]

Kind of looks like a Detroit fly swatter.

 

[David LaPell]

Barbara Streisand selling her hair again?

 

[Stevens]

Here is one I picked up in Swaziland in the mid 70s. This one is about 3 feet long and made for the tourist trade, but it sure works well. It is one of my grandkids favorites to play with when they come over, Swatting each other seems like great fun.
I'd say the OP one is the "real" thing but I don't think it is from Africa, I have never seen them work leather well like that over there.
Steve W

 

[bettis1]

Kind of looks like a Detroit fly swatter.

Doggone it, John. There's that Fitz again! My very favorite belly gun.

Bob