Demon Head Hilt Bhutan Sword

dennee · 9th November 2006, 01:46 AM

Sorry, when I say recent, I typically mean "not early twentieth century or older." I have a couple of bans and have seen a bunch more, and they are generally pretty much the same, usually with the exception of some variation in the level of decoration to the scabbard. (There was one with a fullered or fluted blade that looked something like a cut-down saber that I saw in Baltimore a year and a half ago, and it sold on eBay several months ago. Lack of patina suggested not terribly old.)

Your example is quite unusual in the carving, and I admit that I don't know if that means it is a traditional, rare variation or if it simply reflects more recent manufacture (I could certainly buy WWII vintage) as some were perhaps being manufactured not solely for utility use. (The Rongpas were reclusive valley dwellers and not very warlike. The ban was principally used as an axe-like utility knife, hence its heft.) It's also the presence of that brass band that is making me think it is a somewhat later example.

Overall, an interesting piece and worth the price.

9th November 2006, 01:46 AM	#6
dennee Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: College Park, MD Posts: 186	Sorry, when I say recent, I typically mean "not early twentieth century or older." I have a couple of bans and have seen a bunch more, and they are generally pretty much the same, usually with the exception of some variation in the level of decoration to the scabbard. (There was one with a fullered or fluted blade that looked something like a cut-down saber that I saw in Baltimore a year and a half ago, and it sold on eBay several months ago. Lack of patina suggested not terribly old.) Your example is quite unusual in the carving, and I admit that I don't know if that means it is a traditional, rare variation or if it simply reflects more recent manufacture (I could certainly buy WWII vintage) as some were perhaps being manufactured not solely for utility use. (The Rongpas were reclusive valley dwellers and not very warlike. The ban was principally used as an axe-like utility knife, hence its heft.) It's also the presence of that brass band that is making me think it is a somewhat later example. Overall, an interesting piece and worth the price.