A scarce Vietnamese sabre dating from the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) in traditional Vietnamese style. Aesthetically a mixture of Chinese, Japanese and Korean swords. Many examples from this period were rather ceremonial and adorned with silver fittings, noble materials for hilts and fancy mother of pearl inlayed scabbards. Functional fighting swords are quite hard to find these days, but we managed to find an interesting example.

The hilt:
As mentioned, a combination of other cultures with a Chinese ‘Dao’ shaped hilt, Korean style octagonal iron guard including a Japanese style ribbed washer. Both pommel and ferrules are made of iron. The handle is made of hardwood showing a dark patinated grain.
The blade:
Formed to Chinese likeness with a fine forging pattern revealing a contrast in hardened carbon and regular steel. The blade slightly curved ending up with a false edge near the tip and presenting a double fuller right underneath the flat spine. The blade is chiseled with floral motifs in Vietnamese style. The forte is decorated with the characters ‘長生 財利‘ (chángshēng cáilì) which stands for Longevity and Fortune.

Conclusion:
A fine and well balanced functional sabre dating from the second half of the 19th century. Interesting laminated pattern forging technique and surprisingly well constructed. The pattern emerges due to a recent etching of the blade to give it its original ment pattern while maintaining the original patina.

Condition: Excellent, some ware due to its use and age.

Dimensions:
Hilt: 17.9cm
Blade length: 59.7cm
Blade spine thickness: 7mm
Total length: 77.6cm