Pirate swords and weapons

werecow · 2nd February 2023, 12:49 PM

Does the dragon blood come from dragons of the komodo variety (I know they're not from the same island, but still)?

David R · 2nd February 2023, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by werecow

Does the dragon blood come from dragons of the komodo variety (I know they're not from the same island, but still)?

Dragons blood is a resin used in paints and incense.

Ah well, so my sword turns out not to have the firm Pirate associations that I had read about elsewhere, we live and learn.

TVV · 2nd February 2023, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David R

Dragons blood is a resin used in paints and incense.

Ah well, so my sword turns out not to have the firm Pirate associations that I had read about elsewhere, we live and learn.

None of our swords, not even the nimchas and cutlasses have any firm Pirate associations, unless they were taken by some 17th century captain in a battle with corsairs/pirates and have ironclad provenance to that effect.

Your beladah belabang is still an incredibly attractive, authentic sword that anyone here would love to have in the collection.

werecow · 3rd February 2023, 01:41 AM

Indeed. I'm 85% sure I almost bought this very one, actually, but alas, was out of sword funds.

Just ran across this thread, thought I'd cross link it here since it mentions an association between the hudiedao and river pirates.

kai · 3rd February 2023, 03:35 PM

Quote:

I'm 85% sure I almost bought this very one, actually, but alas, was out of sword funds.

Yup, a really nice piece from PeterA.

Quote:

Just ran across this thread, thought I'd cross link it here since it mentions an association between the hudiedao and river pirates.

That link is just as spurious. Sure, "river pirates" were utilising these - just as everyone in the region.

The slender hudiedao also was a regulation pattern in southern China and quite certainly based on earlier local traditions; the beefier blades seem to be a later "civilian" development to avoid fatal wounds.

Colonial officials were quick to label any resistance as bandit or pirate activity. The real pirates/predators had their bases in European (and later American) harbours. Of course, there also was local piracy & raiding - with whatever weapons were at hand.

Obviously, if you have a somewhat shady occupation, you usually don't want to show that and invite persecution. Same with specific "Ninja" swords - stupid idea...

Regards,
Kai

David R · 6th February 2023, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by werecow

Indeed. I'm 85% sure I almost bought this very one, actually, but alas, was out of sword funds.

Just ran across this thread, thought I'd cross link it here since it mentions an association between the hudiedao and river pirates.

For me it coincided with a refund from an old savings pot.

Victrix · 23rd February 2025, 10:08 PM

Exhibition may be of interest.

Norman McCormick · 24th February 2025, 04:03 PM

Hi,
Thanks Victrix for the heads up. Here is a more in depth idea of what's on offer.
Regards,
Norman.

https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/natio...museum/pirates

23rd February 2025, 10:08 PM	#7
Victrix Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Sweden Posts: 763	Exhibition may be of interest. Attached Images

2nd February 2023, 12:49 PM	#1
werecow Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leiden, NL Posts: 617	Does the dragon blood come from dragons of the komodo variety (I know they're not from the same island, but still)?

3rd February 2023, 01:41 AM	#4
werecow Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leiden, NL Posts: 617	Indeed. I'm 85% sure I almost bought this very one, actually, but alas, was out of sword funds. Just ran across this thread, thought I'd cross link it here since it mentions an association between the hudiedao and river pirates.

24th February 2025, 04:03 PM	#8
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,646	Hi, Thanks Victrix for the heads up. Here is a more in depth idea of what's on offer. Regards, Norman. https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/natio...museum/pirates