Language: Vietnamese
Source: Old dictionary

Description

Thanh gươm () appears in an 1887 French-Tonkinese dictionary where it is translated as "grand sabre de cortège" or "large processional saber".

Dictionary

The 1887 dictionary entry of thanh gươm.

The character used, , means a double edged straightsword in Chinese. In Vietnamese, it can be pronounced both as kiếm, denoting the straightsword, or gươm for saber. The character  is also used for saber and pronounced gươm.

Vietnamese ceremonial sabers

During the Nguyễn dynasty (1802 - 1945) such sabers were carried by men of rank and their retainers as a symbol of their rank and office.

These weapons typically have silver mounts, only the emperor could have gilt mounts on his sword. They are often nicely made with grips made of ivory, or other precious materials and scabbards decorated with fine moth-of-pearl inlays. The blades are often purely ceremonial, but pieces with functional blades are encountered from time to time.

Ceremonial guom

A fine Vietnamese ceremonial saber, or thanh gươm.

Notes
1. Gaston Khan, Élève diplômé de l'École des langues orientales; Vocabulaire Franco - Tonkinois. Hanoi, 1887. Page 25.

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A very rare ceremonial variety with copper scabbard inlaid with different alloys, and a brass blade.

€6000,-

An exceptionally large example with a desirable three fullered blade.

€1950,-

The pierced silver mounts with parcel gilding and red velvet backing.

€775,-

Unusual example with hilts carved in lionesque heads.

€850,-

With a very fine Nepalese blade, but kard-like hilt and scabbard.

€3500,-

Early type with very shallow notch in the blade and little flare in the pommel.

€2750,-