Formosa/Taiwan, dodgy pic gamble

Rick · 7th April 2007, 04:04 PM

I think your conclusion is in the correct geographic area Tim.

The rarity here may be the straight blade as they are less common than the curved ones.

http://www.sevenstarstrading.com/articles/taiwan

Ian · 7th April 2007, 05:02 PM

Tim:

I'm skeptical about this one. The picture is very hard to see much detail. It does appear Taiwanese. The straight single-edged blade of uniform width for most of its length is typical of the Paiwan knife/sword. The hilt looks to be a recent version of circular cross section that may have been turned on a lathe and then carved -- can't tell from the pics. The scabbard, however, looks wrong for a Paiwan sword. Typically the Paiwan scabbards are closed on the front and have carved designs, with the snake and human faces being prominent motifs. The open-faced scabbard is seen among other tribal groups, such as the Atayal, but their knives/swords are curved and quite different from the Paiwan versions.

So this one looks to me like a hybrid of Taiwanese tribal styles. The person who could help you best is probably yuanzhumin -- Nicolas lives in Taiwan and knows as much about these knives and local culture as anyone on this Forum.

Another region that has open-faced scabbards is the Naga area of NE India. I don't think this knife is from there, but the picture is too small and blurred to say much more.

Hope it turns out to be a rare treasure.

Regards,

Ian.

Tim Simmons · 7th April 2007, 05:25 PM

Yes ebay has made a gambler of me

. The picture is pretty awful but I have a little bit of hope still. Under magnification I suspect a reasonable blade. The handle is complete guess work. We will just have to wait which adds to the fun as we are only talk the price of two burgers. I am still thinking Formosa. I think it is safe to bet on some variation over time and location.

Rick · 7th April 2007, 08:17 PM

Semi open front.

Tim Simmons · 8th April 2007, 09:02 AM

I have just re-sized this picture from the link Rick provided. The scabbards seem to be open. I am really looking forward to the arrival. I must not get too carried away. The handle could be like some of the other Formosa knives one can find in a quick search here.

paolo · 8th April 2007, 11:50 PM

My one, open scabbard, seems to me Taiwan, Rukai tribe.
Paolo

paolo · 8th April 2007, 11:52 PM

Sorry, here are the pics

7th April 2007, 05:02 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	Unusual ... Tim: I'm skeptical about this one. The picture is very hard to see much detail. It does appear Taiwanese. The straight single-edged blade of uniform width for most of its length is typical of the Paiwan knife/sword. The hilt looks to be a recent version of circular cross section that may have been turned on a lathe and then carved -- can't tell from the pics. The scabbard, however, looks wrong for a Paiwan sword. Typically the Paiwan scabbards are closed on the front and have carved designs, with the snake and human faces being prominent motifs. The open-faced scabbard is seen among other tribal groups, such as the Atayal, but their knives/swords are curved and quite different from the Paiwan versions. So this one looks to me like a hybrid of Taiwanese tribal styles. The person who could help you best is probably yuanzhumin -- Nicolas lives in Taiwan and knows as much about these knives and local culture as anyone on this Forum. Another region that has open-faced scabbards is the Naga area of NE India. I don't think this knife is from there, but the picture is too small and blurred to say much more. Hope it turns out to be a rare treasure. Regards, Ian.

7th April 2007, 08:17 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Semi open front. Attached Images

8th April 2007, 09:02 AM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	I have just re-sized this picture from the link Rick provided. The scabbards seem to be open. I am really looking forward to the arrival. I must not get too carried away. The handle could be like some of the other Formosa knives one can find in a quick search here. Attached Images

8th April 2007, 11:52 PM	#7
paolo Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 173	Sorry, here are the pics Attached Images

7th April 2007, 04:04 PM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	I think your conclusion is in the correct geographic area Tim. The rarity here may be the straight blade as they are less common than the curved ones. http://www.sevenstarstrading.com/articles/taiwan

7th April 2007, 05:25 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Yes ebay has made a gambler of me . The picture is pretty awful but I have a little bit of hope still. Under magnification I suspect a reasonable blade. The handle is complete guess work. We will just have to wait which adds to the fun as we are only talk the price of two burgers. I am still thinking Formosa. I think it is safe to bet on some variation over time and location.

8th April 2007, 11:50 PM	#6
paolo Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 173	My one, open scabbard, seems to me Taiwan, Rukai tribe. Paolo