19th C. Gilbert Island SHARK TOOTH SWORD w/ Handguard Appendages!
19th C. Gilbert Island SHARK TOOTH SWORD w/ Handguard Appendages!
Origin: Micronesia, Gilbert Island (Provenance: Found in an old New England Collection)
Period/Date: 19th century
Materials: hardwood, shark teeth, fiber binding, human hair binding
Description: This excellent shark tooth sword is presented on a custom metal display. What makes it special is that it still retains its curved handguard side appendages! Its rare and very desirable to see one with these still present. This was possible due to the high quality and craftsmanship of the tightly woven sennit binding. These were very labor intensive to make and each tooth is hand drilled and tightly secured with binding between two thin vertical wood spines. It shows long use and there are some broken and missing teeth from combat. An impressive and beautiful yet menacing weapon.
Dimensions: Length 33” (84 cm), Overall width 11 7/8” (30 cm)