Age of an tibetan short sword

Gonzoadler · 25th June 2024, 04:04 PM

Hello together,

I recently purchased this tibetan short sword. In my opinion it is a really old piece, maybe 18th century, with a scabbard, which was partially restored or completely replaced somewhere in the first half of the 20th century or at the end of the 19th century at best.
The sword has a blade made of hairpin steel, like many old tibetan edged weapons.
Not so common is the shape of the grip in detail and the presence of gold damascening, in my opinion these two things indicating a higher age.
But this is only speculation, so I need your swarm knowledge. All further informations and serious age estimations are welcome.

Regards
Robin

Gonzoadler · 25th June 2024, 04:05 PM

Further pictures:

Tim Simmons · 26th June 2024, 02:56 PM

It is nice but I do not see why it is 18th century. It could even be turn of the 19/20th century.

Sajen · 26th June 2024, 03:25 PM

Hello Gonzo,

It's a nice short sword!

But it's difficult to give an age estimation, of course it could be the end of the 18th century but it could be also somewhere made in the 19th century. There is nothing that points by the handle style to a greater age, it's a typical handle style for these swords. And I don't see something which shows that the scabbard is restored or let me think that it's a later replacement which doesn't mean that it's indeed the case but this is pure speculation IMVHO. Are you sure that it's gold at the handle? It could be brazing solder also!?
Do you plan to give it some care? Removing the rust from the blade and the scabbard?

Regards,
Detlef

25th June 2024, 04:04 PM	#1
Gonzoadler Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Germany Posts: 244	Age of an tibetan short sword Hello together, I recently purchased this tibetan short sword. In my opinion it is a really old piece, maybe 18th century, with a scabbard, which was partially restored or completely replaced somewhere in the first half of the 20th century or at the end of the 19th century at best. The sword has a blade made of hairpin steel, like many old tibetan edged weapons. Not so common is the shape of the grip in detail and the presence of gold damascening, in my opinion these two things indicating a higher age. But this is only speculation, so I need your swarm knowledge. All further informations and serious age estimations are welcome. Regards Robin Attached Images

25th June 2024, 04:05 PM	#2
Gonzoadler Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Germany Posts: 244	Further pictures: Attached Images

26th June 2024, 02:56 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	It is nice but I do not see why it is 18th century. It could even be turn of the 19/20th century.

26th June 2024, 03:25 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,761	Hello Gonzo, It's a nice short sword! But it's difficult to give an age estimation, of course it could be the end of the 18th century but it could be also somewhere made in the 19th century. There is nothing that points by the handle style to a greater age, it's a typical handle style for these swords. And I don't see something which shows that the scabbard is restored or let me think that it's a later replacement which doesn't mean that it's indeed the case but this is pure speculation IMVHO. Are you sure that it's gold at the handle? It could be brazing solder also!? Do you plan to give it some care? Removing the rust from the blade and the scabbard? Regards, Detlef