Boxer Rebellion period dao

[paolo]

Hello all,
what do You think about this sword ? Fake ? I bought it at an English auction four years ago; it was described as : a late 19th century Boxer Rebellion period two handed executioner's sword.
Thank You in advance for Your comments.
Regards
Paolo

[RSWORD]

The blade and the guard come from a Chinese DaDao. This style of sword was used Boxer Rebellion right up through WWII. The handle is quite atypical. Normally, you would have a ring pommeled handle wrapped in cloth. This handle has a rather folk art look to it and may be an unique one-of but the wood doesn't seem to exhibit a lot of patina. Perhaps a replacement handle or a unique one-of but whole ensemble is probably 1930's or 40's.

[paolo]

Thank You RSWORD, I suspected that the handle was a later addiction; I always saw pictures with a ring at the end.
Regards
Paolo