Unusual Polearm. Thoughts on origin?

[RSWORD]

I would love to have thoughts as to the origin of this polearm blade. It is a nice, large example with beautifully executed fullers, a very interesting bump out on the spine chiseled with a floral decoration, and the remains of the ferrule, which makes a solid handle to grip and swing the blade now. The material appears to be copper or a copper alloy.

I am wondering if the decoration on the bump out portion of the blade points in any direction? This is where I think the origin lies but am curious as to thoughts on this one.

[David]

My first thought is Thai... :)

[Nathaniel]

My first thought is Thai... :)

Good thought...I was wondering that too....it's definitely of Chinese influence..ie Guan Dao...but yet it's not the quite the standard Thai or Chinese....Chinese smiths are all over SEA...curious piece...definitely hard to clearly place.

What are the specs?

Beautiful piece though Rick! Thanks for sharing!

[Battara]

Nice piece? Yes I agree - copper.

[RSWORD]

My first thought is Thai... :)

Hi David. Is that a gut instinct or is there something specific that leads you in that direction?

[RSWORD]

Good thought...I was wondering that too....it's definitely of Chinese influence..ie Guan Dao...but yet it's not the quite the standard Thai or Chinese....Chinese smiths are all over SEA...curious piece...definitely hard to clearly place.

What are the specs?

Beautiful piece though Rick! Thanks for sharing!

Hi Nathaniel. Yes, it is a lovely piece and you know I have a penchant for the unusual, odd or rare bird. To me, it is interesting that it holds features from a number of cultures but not distinctly one. For example, I can see Chinese, Thai and even Vietnamese features in this piece but nothing definitive. It is 33 3/4" in total length. The ferrule is just a bit over 9". The blade is 3" at its widest point. Another interesting feature to this is that it appears to have had a guard at one time. At the blade/ferrule junction there is evidence something was there at one time.

[RSWORD]

Nice piece? Yes I agree - copper.


Nice piece? :D Yes, I think so. :p The copper has a nice patina to it. Love it when it gets this coloration.

[David]

Hi David. Is that a gut instinct or is there something specific that leads you in that direction?
That's fairly gut Rick, i know very little about these...
....though i will second (of third) that it is indeed a nice one! :)

[Mark]

That's fairly gut Rick, i know very little about these...
....though i will second (of third) that it is indeed a nice one! :)

It is similar to patterns of Thai blades I have seen at the Smithsonian, with the double hump and the little projection along the spine.

[Andrew]

Very nice.

My "gut" tells me Thai as well, but I really can't back it up. :shrug:

I will note that the carving in that hump reminds me of Indo-Persian work.

[David]

Nice to know my "gut" is in good company... :)