Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Philip · 1st January 2007, 07:04 AM

This saber was mounted up as a type of "guom" (narrow-bladed Vietnamese saber) with an open hilt (i.e. without knucklebow) and downcurving "pistol grip" handle. For the most part, it is a classic example of the genre, and let me quote a description by Charles Buttin of an analogous piece sold by the now-defunct Anderson Galleries in New York, 14/15 May 1926, Sale No. 2076, lot 204

"....Indo-Chinese, 18th century, Curved sword. The blade with lateral channel is of European make, it bears marks of four crosses and the date 1764. The octagonal guard is of copper, silver enriched. The hilt, silver-mounted, is of old ivory carved in octagons, squares, and a leaf. The silver-mounted scabbard of native wood , is encrusted in mother-of-pearl with birds, flowers, butterflies, bats, fruit, and leaves. Length about 82cm"

The sword, which sold for the princely sum of $45, is depicted sheathed in a B/W group photo of several lots. The profile of the hilt is quite similar to that on Nick's example, as is the shape of the scabbard fittings. The main point of departure is the material of the sheath itself. The auction lot has a scabbard of purely traditional design and workmanship, whereas Nick's is metal.

One thing about Nick's specimen that is interesting and atypical for Vietnamese weapons is the use of gemstones as decoration on the metal fittings.

1st January 2007, 07:04 AM	#3
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	This saber was mounted up as a type of "guom" (narrow-bladed Vietnamese saber) with an open hilt (i.e. without knucklebow) and downcurving "pistol grip" handle. For the most part, it is a classic example of the genre, and let me quote a description by Charles Buttin of an analogous piece sold by the now-defunct Anderson Galleries in New York, 14/15 May 1926, Sale No. 2076, lot 204 "....Indo-Chinese, 18th century, Curved sword. The blade with lateral channel is of European make, it bears marks of four crosses and the date 1764. The octagonal guard is of copper, silver enriched. The hilt, silver-mounted, is of old ivory carved in octagons, squares, and a leaf. The silver-mounted scabbard of native wood , is encrusted in mother-of-pearl with birds, flowers, butterflies, bats, fruit, and leaves. Length about 82cm" The sword, which sold for the princely sum of $45, is depicted sheathed in a B/W group photo of several lots. The profile of the hilt is quite similar to that on Nick's example, as is the shape of the scabbard fittings. The main point of departure is the material of the sheath itself. The auction lot has a scabbard of purely traditional design and workmanship, whereas Nick's is metal. One thing about Nick's specimen that is interesting and atypical for Vietnamese weapons is the use of gemstones as decoration on the metal fittings.