Tibetan sword
 

An interesting and near complete Tibetan sword that appears to have quite a bit of age to it.
32 " over all in scabbard, 31 inches overall out of scabbard. 25&1/2 inch blade, lovely laminations to blade...more pronounced on one side...maybe a decent etch will highlight it better, a few small areas of light pitting and some delamination to blade in places. Iron fittings to hilt, shark/ray skin still present to hilt. A nice rectangular iron cross guard, Original light canvas material still to the rear of scabbard, material missing from front, 2 of the turquoise and coral still present in the nickel silver fitting at the base of the scabbard.
When referring to LaRocca's book on Tibetan arms, the pommel and hilt, although iron, not silver is the same shape and dimensions as the one presented on page 162, where as all the other pommels are of a slightly different shape and dimensions. Does this denote any age and or region in particular as it is not covered of in the text that I have read. Both the scabbard and rectangular cross guard are very similar to the sword presented on page 160 of the same book.
I also like the grain in the timber they used in the scabbard, the way it has been cut reminds me of the laminations in the blade.
Overall a nice piece in the hand and very capable of delivering a mighty cut.

Gav

All for now, comments most welcome.