The ‘Đao găm’ is a Vietnamese type of dagger which was worn among the Vietnamese military. The shape is similar to the European naval dirks and was designed for close combat fighting techniques.

The hilt:
Consisting of a handle made of hardwood in rounded shape with brass fittings in 19th century fashionable style. The tang of the blade was riveted to the hilt and a copper washer functions as small guard.

The blade:
A forged steel, diamond sectioned blade with double cutting edge, medial ridge and sharp tip. The blade was made for functional purposes and is well balanced and light weighted.
The scabbard:
Consisting of two wooden slabs held together with brass fittings. The scabbard throat piece has a subtile openwork detail and a small rim of braided brass wire. The middle fitting resembles a common Vietnamese feature, a central rim, which is decorated with braided brass wire in this case and two leaf shaped sides. A feature often seen on functional military swords. The end piece is similar in design, but is plain and has a flattened base.

Condition: Excellent, a small damage on the blade which seems to be made with a tool. Further good condition.

Dimensions:
Hilt: 10.5cm
Blade length: 30.4cm
Blade thickness: 7mm
Scabbard: 33cm
Total length: 43.5cm