Sword Cane with Two Blades and Sheath
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Wood, silver
Dimensions
L. overall with scabbard 42 in. (106.7 cm); large blade (a); L. 26 15/16 in. (68.4 cm); W. 1 15/16 in. (4.9 cm); D. 1 1/16 in. (2.7 cm); Wt. 11.8 oz. (334.5 g); small blade (b); L. 29 5/8 in. (75.2 cm); W. 1 in. (2.5 cm); D. 1 in. (2.5 cm); Wt. 10.5 oz. (297.7 g); Wt. of scabbard (c) 3.2 oz. (90.7 g)
Classification
Swords
Culture
Burmese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Accession Number
36.25.1503a–c
Art Historical Context
This remarkable *Sword Cane with Two Blades and Sheath* from 19th-century Burma exemplifies the clever fusion of everyday utility and hidden defense in Southeast Asian arms. Crafted from wood and silver, the overall piece measures an imposing 42 inches with its scabbard, concealing a large blade (26 15/16 inches long) and a smaller one (29 5/8 inches), both lightweight yet formidable at around 11 ounces each. Disguised as an elegant walking stick, it allowed discreet carry in urban or courtly settings where overt weapons might be restricted. In Burmese culture during the Konbaung Dynasty era,...