Description

A hefty Vietnamese fighting saber of the 19th century. It has the classic octagonal flaring grip often seen in the region. Sometimes these are carved from horn, this one appears to be lacquered wood.

It has a long brass ferrule, round guard in the same material, with a copper Japanese-inspired washer. The blade is more in the Chinese fashion, with narrow grooves just under the spine and a back bevel at the tip. The blade is further decorated with swirling engravings that are typical for Vietnamese work. The blade has a bronze collar piece.

The blade is laminated, with one section of laminations separating, a forging flaw that became apparent through use. There was also a small hole drilled through the blade, recently filled.