Tibetan Swords - Additional Examples

Example 4. These pictures are of the mountings of the Tibetan sword with the curving patterns of structural welded origin seen on the referring page and repeated above. Though the pommel and hilt shape recall a Bhutanese form, the steel framed scabbard is typically Tibetan. The scabbard is of engraved/embossed silver with a gold washed iron frame towards the tip. (Overall length approximately 20 inches.) Photographs courtesy of Artzi Yarom of Oriental Arms.)

 

Example 5. Another Tibetan sword likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th Century. The hilt is composed of a pierced iron pommel, ferrule and guard each showing remaining traces of gilding. A leather covered grip of rectangular cross-section lies between the pommel and ferrule and is bordered and overlain by engraved silver strips and also overlain centrally by an engraved silver button. A turquoise is set on the display face of the pommel. The blade is forged and of piled (layer welded) construction, folded back at the tip. The scabbard is formed with the standard "U" shaped iron frame. The front face of the frame is pierced and gold washed. The opposite side of the scabbard (not illustrated) is devoid of decoration. At the mouth end of the scabbard is a pierced brass ferrule with a dragon design. Overall length (including scabbard): 92.7 cm. (36.5 inches); blade length: 69.8 cm. (27.5 inches). Photographs courtesy of Artzi Yarom of Oriental Arms.)

 

Example 6. Tibetan short sword likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th Century. The hilt is composed of an engraved iron pommel, ferrule and guard. A ray skin covered grip of rectangular cross-section lies between the pommel and ferrule. A red stone (coral?) is set on the display face of the pommel. The blade is forged and of piled (layer welded) construction, folded back at the tip. The scabbard is formed with the standard "U" shaped iron frame. The front face and sides of the frame are engraved and gold washed. A steel strip with silver inlay and a similar red stone to that on the pommel forms the distal front face of the scabbard. The opposite side of the scabbard (not illustrated) is devoid of decoration. At the mouth end of the scabbard is a strap of leather, possibly a later addition. Overall length (including scabbard): 58.8 cm. (24 inches); blade length: 44.1cm. (18 inches). Photographs courtesy of Artzi Yarom of Oriental Arms.)

 

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Version 1.21 ~ May 17, 2009 ~ Copyright © 1999, 2000 by Lee A. Jones