Lew Waldman's Ethnographic Arms & Armour Collection Archive


1034 - Bhutanese or Tibetan Patang Dagger with 'Hairpin' Pattern-Welded Blade

The single edged blade is quite robust with a maximum thickness of ¼ inch (0.625 cm) at the spine tapering to the acute point. The hand forged 10¼ inch (26 cm) long blade shows the typical 'hairpin' lamination structure expected of blades from this region. The hilt is covered by embossed white metal (unsure if nickel alloy or low grade silver) with a fluted braided wire covered grip. The beaded oval ring near the blade is seen to overlie copper. The scabbard is formed of similar white metal with embossed decoration over a wooden core. The display side of the scabbard is dented towards the tip and also with distortion at the tip end and the rings at the mouth are loose. A leather thong is attached through a small loop on the face of the scabbard. Overall length is 13¾ inches (35 cm) with a weight of 12 ounces (339 grams).




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