Bhutanese Patag ‘Ben Thaam’ Long Sword with Original Scabbard

*Bhutanese Patag ‘Ben Thaam’ Long Sword with Original Scabbard*

Bhutanese Patag, ‘Ben Thaam’ Long Sword, c18th/19th Century, plain hilt with ray skin grip. The heavy fighting blade straight and slab sided single edge. The hilt is wood with ray skin grips. The grips are bordered with upper and lower brass collars in classic Bhutanese style. The lower collar has an integral bolster whilst the upper offers support for the pommel cap to sit.

Brass scabbard with matching decoration to the hilt. The scabbard is dressed in plain brass mounts and a large and section of ray skin covers the timber core in-between these fittings.

Different types of swords were cast in different localities in
Bhutan. Unlike some Chinese and Tibetan swords which are
sharp, and have double-edged blade, curved sharp tip and
long double-edged tapering blade, Bhutanese swords are all
straight and single-edged blade, with sharp arc tip. “Patag” or “Patang” is a generic term for any kind of knives with enough length and weight to enable them to ‘hack’. Long swords are termed ‘Ben’. There are 4 basic types of design –
1. Ben Thaam – meaning plain
2. Ben Khongsho Chem – a wide fuller on both sides of the blade
3. Ben Washochem – multiple grooves designed along the blade is known as a ‘Washo’
4. Ben Chuuri Chem – referring to the shape of the hair pin lamination of the blade created in the forging.

The blade measures 52.2cm long, 3.8cm wide, 67.3cm overall. The blade is about 40mm wide and the thickness of the edge starts out 5mm near the hilt and 2mm at the tip.

*Condition*
The blade is in excellent condition with few nicks to the blade. There is some pitting but that may also be as a result pf the hair pin process. The hilt is in good condition considering its age. the ray skin grip is intact though discoloured and the brass pommel is good. The brass and fish skin scabbard shows signs of wear and tear and some of the fish skin is missing. This is nonetheless an exciting and historical find that for its age is in great condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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