The one that got away... I missed the bid, what is it?
 

I missed bidding on this, but it looks fantastic. What is it? I hope someone knowledgeable won it.
Josh


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ME:B:WNA:US:12

:) Apparently we posted it at the same time:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4514

It's called a Kastane, and from what I've read its a traditional sword of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Apparently the form was introduced by the Dutch, though the handle is purely a native form.

I looked at a bunch that had sold on oriental-arms, and it seems that this one is good in that the blade is not crudely made and the gilding is mostly there. Though of course I posted it for "official" opinions. :) Similar ones are attributed early 19th century.

Glad you like it! Can't wait to receive it, myself!

--Radleigh

I am glad you got it. I would have been annoyed if it was some punter trying to buy a "dragon handle Chinese sword" as it was listed. The blade looks like it might be pattern welded. Let me know when you get it.
Thanks,
Josh

Ceylon ( Serendip) was the supplier of wootz ingots to India and Persia; surprisingly, I have never seen a Ceylonese sword with a Damascus blade.