Does Anyone Have Any Idea About This Asian (?) Sword?

Casaubon · 13th September 2019, 04:57 PM

Hi
As this is my first post I should first say a big thanks to all the contributors to these boards.
I’ve been getting interested in swords over the last few years, and I’ve learned a lot from this site. Apart from the knowledge gained, you’ve also saved me money by steering me away from a couple of probable fakes.

Does anyone have any idea about this sword?

I bought it without knowing what it was. Normally I’d say that was a dumb move, but I was very curious and it was affordable.

I can’t see any makers or other marks.
It feels very solid, and fairly heavy for its size – 1kg without the scabbard.

The blade is 615mm, the hilt 150mm (not including the suspension loop).
I think the blade may be of a laminated type, but my inexperienced eyes can’t confidently see through the dirt and tarnish. It has a pretty good edge.
The brass components of the hilt show traces of silver plating.

The shape of the blade (goose wing?) to me looks possibly Chinese, and the hilt looks very vaguely Tibetan...........maybe.

If I had to guess I’d say it might be from China, perhaps from a local armoury or arsenal during the first half of the last century. But that’s just a wild, uneducated guess, I have no idea really.

I’d be very grateful for your opinions.
I’m sorry the pics are pretty poor, I’m happy to try and take some better ones if it’d be helpful.

Thanks in advance,

Casaubon

13th September 2019, 04:57 PM	#1
Casaubon Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Posts: 2	Does Anyone Have Any Idea About This Asian (?) Sword? Hi As this is my first post I should first say a big thanks to all the contributors to these boards. I’ve been getting interested in swords over the last few years, and I’ve learned a lot from this site. Apart from the knowledge gained, you’ve also saved me money by steering me away from a couple of probable fakes. Does anyone have any idea about this sword? I bought it without knowing what it was. Normally I’d say that was a dumb move, but I was very curious and it was affordable. I can’t see any makers or other marks. It feels very solid, and fairly heavy for its size – 1kg without the scabbard. The blade is 615mm, the hilt 150mm (not including the suspension loop). I think the blade may be of a laminated type, but my inexperienced eyes can’t confidently see through the dirt and tarnish. It has a pretty good edge. The brass components of the hilt show traces of silver plating. The shape of the blade (goose wing?) to me looks possibly Chinese, and the hilt looks very vaguely Tibetan...........maybe. If I had to guess I’d say it might be from China, perhaps from a local armoury or arsenal during the first half of the last century. But that’s just a wild, uneducated guess, I have no idea really. I’d be very grateful for your opinions. I’m sorry the pics are pretty poor, I’m happy to try and take some better ones if it’d be helpful. Thanks in advance, Casaubon Attached Images