TIBETAN SIDE KNIFE

Fine early example of a type usually encountered mounted in soft metals. This example with fine chiseled steel scabbard pierced with a serpent in foliage of the type shown in Warriors of the Himalayas #63 and #63 identified as 18th-18th century and 17th-19th century respectively. Absent inscriptions or provenance, Tibetan weapons are virtually impossible to date closely as there was no evolutionary process. The medial of japanned sharkskin. The knife with 4 5/8” broad fullered blade and scale grip of bone and black horn secured with zinc rivets. Mixed metal laminar pommel. Excellent preservation with age indications including shrinkage of the bone and horn, and wear/scaling to the back of the scabbard.