Chinese sword: Real or Fake?

Tim Simmons · 1st August 2005, 05:16 PM

Without handling the sword, I tend to think it is a fake. I am suspitous of the red material round the scabbard mouth. There is something to me not quite right about the all over corrosion and the red stuff seems untouched and quite fresh. I would have to agree the blade is rather good. Tim
P.S , I also have worries about the brass ring on the pommel.

Ian · 1st August 2005, 07:04 PM

Ariel:

You know the rule my friend -- everything on eBay out that comes from China is not old until conclusively proven otherwise.

This is a recent Chinese version of a Tibetan sword IMO (I know, Tibet is part of China, but this one was not made in Tibet, Bhutan or anywhere else in that neighborhood). The blade is not the traditional hairpin laminated construction and the scabbard seems like it was made from a picture of a Tibetan sword -- just not quite right. It all looks too "new" and complete. A recent repro, I think.

Good luck to the anonymous buyer (another warning sign). At last the shipping seems reasonable.

Ian.

Mark · 1st August 2005, 07:06 PM

I find it very alarming that the fakers have gotten to the point of reproducing a hairpin blade pattern. It doesn't look etched either. Buuut ... there is so much about this one that says 'fake' to me. I think it more prudent to to go into detail, since all it does is educate the fakers. I do agree with Tim's assessment of the corrosion, however. Send me an e-mail, if you want my oh-so-insightful comments on why I think it is a repro

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1st August 2005, 05:16 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,854	Without handling the sword, I tend to think it is a fake. I am suspitous of the red material round the scabbard mouth. There is something to me not quite right about the all over corrosion and the red stuff seems untouched and quite fresh. I would have to agree the blade is rather good. Tim P.S , I also have worries about the brass ring on the pommel.

1st August 2005, 07:04 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,396	Ariel: You know the rule my friend -- everything on eBay out that comes from China is not old until conclusively proven otherwise. This is a recent Chinese version of a Tibetan sword IMO (I know, Tibet is part of China, but this one was not made in Tibet, Bhutan or anywhere else in that neighborhood). The blade is not the traditional hairpin laminated construction and the scabbard seems like it was made from a picture of a Tibetan sword -- just not quite right. It all looks too "new" and complete. A recent repro, I think. Good luck to the anonymous buyer (another warning sign). At last the shipping seems reasonable. Ian.

1st August 2005, 07:06 PM	#3
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	I find it very alarming that the fakers have gotten to the point of reproducing a hairpin blade pattern. It doesn't look etched either. Buuut ... there is so much about this one that says 'fake' to me. I think it more prudent to to go into detail, since all it does is educate the fakers. I do agree with Tim's assessment of the corrosion, however. Send me an e-mail, if you want my oh-so-insightful comments on why I think it is a repro .