Language: Manchu
Source: Classical literature
Dubei toldohon
Description
The Manchu word for the mounts at either end of a saber scabbard.1
Dubei means end, extremity while toldohon is described as an engraved band or ring on the hilt of a sword or dagger. 2
In this case, dubei toldohon is translated to Chinese as dāoqiào dǐshù (刀鞘底束) and is thus clearly associated with the scabbard.
For a complete overview of Manchu saber terms, see: A Manchu saber glossary.
A standard Qing military pattern saber of the mid 19th century, with its round style scabbard.
A standard Qing military pattern officer's saber of the mid 19th century, with its round style scabbard.
An 18th century military saber with its angular style scabbard.
The rule breaker: A 19th century southern bannerman's saber with all-leather scabbard.
References
1. Tongwen Guanghui Quanshu (同文廣彚全書) or "Enlarged and complete dictionary" of 1704. A Qing imperial dictionary in Chinese and Manchu, each entry double checked and approved by the Kangxi emperor, and Wuti Qingwen Jian (五體清文鑑) or "Five languages compendium", a Qing imperial dictionary in Manchu, Mongolian, Uighur, Tibetan and Chinese of 1766.
2. Jerry Norman; Concise Manchu-English Lexicon, University of Washington Press, Seattle, 1978.
