Thibetan sword hilt wanted

josh stout · 21st June 2007, 07:47 PM

[QUOTE=dennee]I'm thinking that the scabbard looks Bhutanese (brass fittings, tripartite organization) with the gadrooned throat piece slid down, and that rough patch on the brass may be where the metal loop for the suspension thong was formerly attached. A measurement of the blade length would suggest if it falls into the typical range for Bhutanses swords.

I'd be interested in seeing a close-up of the tang, particularly its end.
QUOTE]

I see what you mean about the saber being possibly Bhutanese. I thought eastern Tibet because of the undecorated brass looking like Eastern examples. However, a Bhutanese origin is more consistent. I don't think the Eastern scabbards have metalwork at the scabbard mouth.

As you say, the tip of the tang is important. Was the tang peened over (it doesn't look like it)? However the flat end of the tang may be due to a crude refitting at some point. Many Chinese swords without handles had the tip of the tang filed off so that a simple piece of wood could be more easily attached.
Josh

21st June 2007, 07:47 PM	#4
josh stout Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 407	[QUOTE=dennee]I'm thinking that the scabbard looks Bhutanese (brass fittings, tripartite organization) with the gadrooned throat piece slid down, and that rough patch on the brass may be where the metal loop for the suspension thong was formerly attached. A measurement of the blade length would suggest if it falls into the typical range for Bhutanses swords. I'd be interested in seeing a close-up of the tang, particularly its end. QUOTE] I see what you mean about the saber being possibly Bhutanese. I thought eastern Tibet because of the undecorated brass looking like Eastern examples. However, a Bhutanese origin is more consistent. I don't think the Eastern scabbards have metalwork at the scabbard mouth. As you say, the tip of the tang is important. Was the tang peened over (it doesn't look like it)? However the flat end of the tang may be due to a crude refitting at some point. Many Chinese swords without handles had the tip of the tang filed off so that a simple piece of wood could be more easily attached. Josh