Boxer Rebellion Sword - request for advice

[Martin Lubojacky]

May be common sword, nevertheless not my specialization and I would appreciate your help - answers to the folloving questions:

Why they used to be completely (incl. handle, metal fittings) black coloured ? Is it original colour or it was colured additionaly (see detail - also scratch was coloured). Shouldn´t this black "enamel" be removed during restoring ? If yes - completely or from certain parts only ?

The blade is very, very heavy and thick (not ballanced) and my opinion is the "fencing" with one hand would be rather cumbersome. Is this sword for two/"one and half" hands (the handle is relatively long) ?

Regards,

Martin

[Tim Simmons]

Martin I cannot see any enamel on this, perhaps because of the light. I would be surprised to see real molten glass enamel on a sword like this. It looks genuine to me, file marks on the handle but originally it would be covered in ray or shark skin.

[fearn]

Hi Martin,

As Tim noted, the handle should be covered with something like cloth or leather.

As for the weight and balance, it's not designed for European-style fencing, but for circular slashes, and I'm pretty sure it's a single-handed blade. That said, it could also simply be badly balanced. That did happen, especially during war-time.

Best,

F

[Atlantia]

Hi Martin,
I have a very similar one if you would like to compare? Also very heavy and still retaining some black 'paint' although sadly no scabbard.
Let me know how the size/weight compares.
Regards
Gene

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6894&highlight=chinese

[kronckew]

here's a good series of photos on how to re-wrap the grip.

it's in chinese, but the photos say it all....

Linky (http://bbs.hl365.net/thread-262831-1-1.html)

[Martin Lubojacky]

Thank you all for answers and good references/links.
Gene, dimensions are:
total length (in sheath): 95 cm
without sheath: 92 cm
weight without sheath: 1. 3 kgs
blade:
lenght: 75 cm
width: 4. 3 cm
thickness: 0. 6 cm (up tp 20 cm from the tip)
smooth surface, buth with signs of fighting

[Atlantia]

Thats interesting, thanks for posting the stats on your mate :D
I always find these comparisons very interesting.
Heres how mine measures up!

total length (sword): 91 cm
weight (sword): 1. 475 kgs
blade length: 75 cm
width: 4.3 cm
Spine thickness: 0. 6 cm (gradually thinning from half-way point)

P.S
Whats your guard like? Mines loose as hell :(

[Atlantia]

Its an interesting contrast.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c59/Battlestar_Atlantia/Image1.jpg

I really should take the ghastly string off the handle and start the restoration :(

[Atlantia]

here's a good series of photos on how to re-wrap the grip.

it's in chinese, but the photos say it all....

Linky (http://bbs.hl365.net/thread-262831-1-1.html)


Cheers Kronck :D

[Martin Lubojacky]

The guard wabbles a little

[Atlantia]

The guard wabbles a little

I notice the hole in the handle of your sword is right where I thought the tang would be thinning down to enter the pommel.
So I guess the tang is wide right up to near the end?
Are you going to repolish the blade?

[Martin Lubojacky]

Sorry for late reply, Gene.

"I notice the hole in the handle of your sword is right where I thought the tang would be thinning down to enter the pommel.
So I guess the tang is wide right up to near the end?"
-- I am of the same idea, we will see when I overhaul it.

"Are you going to repolish the blade?"
--I would like to do it and also to etch the blade (for the case...). And to re-wrap the handle. (But everything later, not now).

Regards,

Martin