19TH C. GILBERT ISLAND SHARK TOOTH SWORD W/ ELEGANT CURVATURE

Micronesia, Gilbert Island (Kiribati)  (Provenance: Ex. Dave DeRoche Piedmont, CA)

Period/Date: Early to mid 19th century

Materials:  Harwood, shark teeth, sennit binding

description:  Here's a GREAT shark tooth sword presented on a custom bronze display stand.  Examples like this with elegant crescent curvatures are most sought after by collectors.  This one has such an extreme curvature that its tip even curves backward!   Shark tooth weapons of this type and age are the most desirable.  Its wood shaft has a raised mid-rib and the edges are pierced and each tooth is hand drilled and secured with sennit binding.  These were very labor intensive to make and were cherished with the teeth being repaired/ replaced as needed.   Its in good condition with no breaks or loss to the wood, however, it was clearly used in battle and thus has missing teeth mostly along its striking edge.  In this case the missing teeth do little to impact the splendor of the piece.   It has acquired a dark rich patina turning to red from age and use.   A rare and beautiful specimen sure to be a welcome addition to any collection.

Dimensions:   Length 21.75"  (55 cm), Width 3"  (7.5 cm), Teeth 2.5-3 cm

Price: $2500       Currency Conversion    FREE SHIPPING With (Paypal Buy Now) Feature!