Bidspirit auction | RARE 18th–19th C. TIBETAN SHORT

RARE 18th–19th C. TIBETAN SHORT SWORD WITH ORIGINAL SCABBARD - RARE 18th–19th C. TIBETAN SHORT SWORD WITH ORIGINAL SCABBARD. Tibet, 18th–19th century. An unusual antique Tibetan short sword or sidearm retaining its original scabbard. The weapon features a straight, single-edged steel blade of broad proportions, tapering gradually toward a rounded point and formed with a pronounced longitudinal ridge/fullered section along the spine. The hilt is fitted with a simple circular iron guard and a faceted grip covered in shagreen, secured between iron mounts. The pommel is particularly distinctive, terminating in three projecting iron studs or prongs, a feature encountered on Tibetan sword hilts, particularly examples associated with eastern Tibet and the Kham region. Total length (inside scabbard if present) : 23 1/2” , Blade length : 17 1/4”. Comparable Tibetan swords with three projecting pommel studs and ray-skin-covered grips are documented in specialist collections. Accompanied by its fitted wooden scabbard, covered in dark green-gray textile and reinforced along the edges with iron mounts. The scabbard incorporates an extended metal framework and additional brass/copper-alloy fittings. The combination of shagreen grip, iron guard, characteristic pommel construction and metal-framed scabbard is consistent with traditional Tibetan sword manufacture. The relatively compact proportions identify the weapon more appropriately as a short sword or sidearm rather than a dagger or dirk. Closely comparable Tibetan short swords of the 18th–19th century are preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Steel surfaces retain an aged patina with scattered oxidation, staining, scratches and wear. Shagreen grip remains substantially intact with age-related wear. Scabbard textile shows considerable wear, staining, losses and deterioration consistent with age. For additional images please visit sofedesignauctions.com Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com ***All lots are sold as-is and where is. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, and SOFE AUCTIONS do not give refunds. SOFE AUCTIONS ARE PLEASED TO OFFER IN-HOUSE PACKAGING AND SHIPPING SERVICES. PACKAGING SERVICE ONLY: start at $25 and up depending on your item/s. Available IN-HOUSE shipping is within the USA of small, medium, semi-large, NON-FRAGILE items. PLEASE SELECT IN-HOUSE SHIPPING FOR FAST, PROFESSIONAL PACKING AND SHIPPING.SOFE WON'T ship items in glass frames, large fragile items or large sculptures. After paying for your item/s please call SOFE at 469-268-1177, or email us at info@sofedesignauctions.com to request a shipping quote. All item/s will be shipped via UPS or FedEx, FULLY insured, unless insurance declined in writing by the buyer. SOFE AUCTIONS do not use USPS. We do have a list of suggested third-party shippers. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.