Description

A very rare Korean saber, called chilseong-geom. Spelled 칠성검 in modern Korean, 七星劍 in classical Chinese. Identifying the type was not difficult, because its name is chiseled in the blade in classical Chinese.

It features a straight-ish blade with double grooves on either side and an oblique point. The hilt and scabbard mounts are iron with silver overlay. Typical for Korean work, it takes inspiration from both China and Japan. The hilt style and especially the pommel is of a type that was popular in China in the late 18th century. The presence of a collar piece in the form of a "habaki", ridged blade cross section and the eoblique tip of the blade is more in keeping with Japanese styles. 

The hilt and scabbard are entirely covered with ray-skin, lacquered reddish black. It has bone inlays that may represent stars.

A peculiar feature found exclusively on some Korean swords is the suspension bar that protrudes through a hole in the guard and acts like a "catch" to hold the hilt in place.

A rare piece.