Opinions on the Chinese Dao

Ren Ren · 8th January 2023, 09:05 PM

In my opinion this is an excellent Chinese sword from the 1850s-60s.
Perhaps the wood parts and leather have been replaced. If you have the opportunity to take a close photograph of the leather, especially the stitching, then this would help determine the authenticity.

I noticed traces of engraving on the ricasso. It would be good to pay attention to them.

kai · 8th January 2023, 10:51 PM

It certainly looks like a quality blade - congrats, Martin!

Martin Lubojacky · 9th January 2023, 07:27 PM

Ren ren and Kai, Thank you for your opinions. Enclosed pls find detail of the sheath covering. It looks like brushed leather, which was glued on.
Best,
Martin

Ren Ren · 9th January 2023, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

Ren ren and Kai, Thank you for your opinions. Enclosed pls find detail of the sheath covering. It looks like brushed leather, which was glued on.
Best,
Martin

I am 98% sure that the leather was changed to artificially aged.

But this does not apply to metal parts. They are very good!

Jim McDougall · 10th January 2023, 12:06 AM

This is a remarkable Manchu saber, and as often the case, categorically seems 'liuyedao' but has that slight oxtail 'peak' near distal section of blade. The unusually austere suspension bar and mounts, as well as scabbard rings and throat are outstanding, and adds to the very 'solid' character of this sword.

The slight cant of the grip, the huanshou, seem to align with possible 'minority' character possibly Yunnan and it is tempting to note the similarity of the pommel to Tibetan so called 'ke tri' (trilobe) adding to that suggestion.

My exposure to Chinese swords is limited, but I wanted to add what I could, and as always, hope to prompt corrections or other observations that might add to what I think is well noted period of mid 19th c.

I agree that this is a high quality blade, and likely remounted in the Manchu period in 19th c. as it seems many were. I have an earlier 'willow leaf' blade which was remounted in these type mounts mid 19th c. as well so it seems quite a regular action.

The 'Boxer' period attribution is simply commonly assumed as this was a remarkably 'international' event in which many Chinese arms and souvenirs were brought out, which included items of much earlier periods.

Martin Lubojacky · 10th January 2023, 11:17 PM

Thank you all once again for your insightful observations!(Dao is a relatively new field for me ...)

kai · 12th January 2023, 03:17 AM

Just to state the obvious: The scabbard seems to have experienced a complete makeover: The wooden parts inside seem to be very recent from the pic.

Assuming that the original scabbard was possibly broken or beyond restoration, it is good to have a functional scabbard again...

Regards,
Kai

8th January 2023, 09:05 PM	#1
Ren Ren Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Russia, Moscow Posts: 379	In my opinion this is an excellent Chinese sword from the 1850s-60s. Perhaps the wood parts and leather have been replaced. If you have the opportunity to take a close photograph of the leather, especially the stitching, then this would help determine the authenticity. I noticed traces of engraving on the ricasso. It would be good to pay attention to them. Last edited by Ren Ren; 8th January 2023 at 09:08 PM. Reason: Addition

9th January 2023, 07:27 PM	#3
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 847	Ren ren and Kai, Thank you for your opinions. Enclosed pls find detail of the sheath covering. It looks like brushed leather, which was glued on. Best, Martin Attached Images

8th January 2023, 10:51 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	It certainly looks like a quality blade - congrats, Martin!

10th January 2023, 12:06 AM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,733	This is a remarkable Manchu saber, and as often the case, categorically seems 'liuyedao' but has that slight oxtail 'peak' near distal section of blade. The unusually austere suspension bar and mounts, as well as scabbard rings and throat are outstanding, and adds to the very 'solid' character of this sword. The slight cant of the grip, the huanshou, seem to align with possible 'minority' character possibly Yunnan and it is tempting to note the similarity of the pommel to Tibetan so called 'ke tri' (trilobe) adding to that suggestion. My exposure to Chinese swords is limited, but I wanted to add what I could, and as always, hope to prompt corrections or other observations that might add to what I think is well noted period of mid 19th c. I agree that this is a high quality blade, and likely remounted in the Manchu period in 19th c. as it seems many were. I have an earlier 'willow leaf' blade which was remounted in these type mounts mid 19th c. as well so it seems quite a regular action. The 'Boxer' period attribution is simply commonly assumed as this was a remarkably 'international' event in which many Chinese arms and souvenirs were brought out, which included items of much earlier periods.

10th January 2023, 11:17 PM	#6
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 847	Thank you all once again for your insightful observations!(Dao is a relatively new field for me ...)

12th January 2023, 03:17 AM	#7
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Just to state the obvious: The scabbard seems to have experienced a complete makeover: The wooden parts inside seem to be very recent from the pic. Assuming that the original scabbard was possibly broken or beyond restoration, it is good to have a functional scabbard again... Regards, Kai