Language: Manchu
Source: Classical literature

fesin i tolhodon

fesin-i toldohon

 

Fesin-i toldohon is the Manchu word for the ferrule on a sword grip, as it turns up in a 1766 dictionary.The ferrule prevents the hilt from splitting and provides a tight fit against the guard.

Fesin literally means: handle, stock, grip, or pole for a flag or banner.2

Toldohon literally means: an engraved band or ring on the hilt of a sword or dagger.3

For a complete overview, see: A Manchu saber glossary.

Ferrule on Chinese saber

A Chinese saber ferrule of the round style. Late 18th / early 19th century.

Notes
1. Terms are taken from the 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; A comprehensive Manchu-English dictionary. Harvard-Yenching Institute Monograph Series 85, Harvard University Asia Center, Cambridge (Massachusetts) and London, 2013.
3. Ibid.

Do you have anything for sale?

I might be interested in buying it.

Contact me

A standard pattern Qing military saber, but with the rare addition of a label in Manchu.

€1900,-

Exceptionally large pierced iron guard for a Chinese yidao; "virtuous saber".

€6000,-

Inspired by uchigatana brought into Vietnam by Japanese refugees.

€1600,-

With silver overlay on iron even continued on its hilt.

€2500,-

Fine Mindan dha with a scene from the Ramayana on its blade.

€2000,-

Fine silver overlaid dha made in Mindan village, south of Mandalay, gained fame in the 19th century.

€1200,-