Unusual Tibetan hilted Saber

RSWORD · 23rd November 2008, 02:01 AM

This is an unusual piece to be purely Tibetan so thought it would make an interesting discussion piece. The hilt appears classical Eastern Tibet in style, but with a saber blade as opposed to a straight blade most typically found on Tibetan pieces. The blade exhibits very nice lamination, not unlike Tibetan swords, but the pattern flows through to the tip versus having the classical hairpin turn. You do find Tibetan style hairpin lamination in swords from Assam and also Bhutan. The blade has an unusual false edge about 8-9 inches from the tip which is atypical for Tibetan. It has been hypothesized that perhaps this sword may be from a border group in the corner of Tibet, Bhutan and Assam. Would certainly help explain some of the non-Tibetan features of the blade. The sword feels fantastic in the hands and has an extremely hard and sharp edge so it was meant for business. Thoughts?

23rd November 2008, 02:01 AM	#1
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,083	Unusual Tibetan hilted Saber This is an unusual piece to be purely Tibetan so thought it would make an interesting discussion piece. The hilt appears classical Eastern Tibet in style, but with a saber blade as opposed to a straight blade most typically found on Tibetan pieces. The blade exhibits very nice lamination, not unlike Tibetan swords, but the pattern flows through to the tip versus having the classical hairpin turn. You do find Tibetan style hairpin lamination in swords from Assam and also Bhutan. The blade has an unusual false edge about 8-9 inches from the tip which is atypical for Tibetan. It has been hypothesized that perhaps this sword may be from a border group in the corner of Tibet, Bhutan and Assam. Would certainly help explain some of the non-Tibetan features of the blade. The sword feels fantastic in the hands and has an extremely hard and sharp edge so it was meant for business. Thoughts? Attached Images