Description

A very nice Tibetan shortsword. Understated, and very well made for this type of sword.

The straight blade tapers to a sharp point. It has flat sides and a ridged spine. Both sides show the hairpin laminations that are typical for Tibetan work. This blade has them not only at the tip, but also at the base. It's a design feature that I have come to associate mostly with Eastern Tibet. Blade is nicely preserved, quite straight, very sharp, and with no edge damage.

Hilt

The hilt mounts are all made of iron, with thick silver overlay. The overlay is so thick and well preserved that at first glance they appear as if made of silver. Close inspection shows the preparatory cross-hatching visible at some of the few spots where the silver was worn about. I've never seen overlay quite this thick and well done on a Tibetan sword.

The grip is wrapped with silver wire, the pommel adorned with a piece of Mediterranean coral, a prized possession in Tibet of old. At the back of the pommel is a ring for a lanyard. The tang's end is peened over a stack of washers in different metals, another feature that points towards Eastern Tibet.

The guard and ferrule are joined with two little lips that protrude through the guard, and were bent over to secure it. An interesting construction detail that is seen on some Tibetan swords but certainly not all.

Scabbard

The scabbard consists of the typical U-frame, holding two plates of wood that are covered with fabric, black silk velvet in this case. The scabbard mouth fitting is an iron band. Both are chiseled and pierced with decorative designs and overlaid, again with thick silver.

At the end of the scabbard is a gilt copper decorative mount, now tarnished by the underlying alloy. It is worked in repousse with stylized leaf designs. 

Viewed from the top it is divided into three sections. It symbolizes the Triratna or "Triple Jewel" with the sections representing the dharma (doctrine), sangha (community), and the Buddha.