It was in a friend’s collection for some years. I always liked this puppy so recently I made a deal with my friend and I got it. And I want to share the pleasure with you. Also you may know something more (as usual
).
It is Vietnamese / Indochina but not the usual type. These swords are usually with curved blade and hilt with guard. This is straight and vintage.
The hilt looks like Chinese in the shape. It is made from one piece of elephant molar tooth (not ivory!) and repousse silver.
The blade is straight, double edge with central rib and a very long ricasso.
Scabbard is wood with big fittings of repousse silver and inlaid with a fine mosaic of mother pearl pieces with flowers, butterflies etc.