Long Sword

Long sword. Chieftain's. Steel and iron blade, straight and single-edged. Hilt of brass with characteristic inverted cup guard; brass wire trimming; insets of carved silver and false coral. Unusual brass rather than silver grip, may have been gilded on the grip. This one is Tibetan, prior to Chinese influence as it is still made to be worn tucked in the belt. Good quality. Silver insets are embossed. It is missing a section of nice textile, back textile is usually plain. Might have had a boss on the back side. Blade has hairpin pattern which is visible. Has all the typical features of Eastern Tibet. The shape of the iron channel and silver are characteristic of Durge work.