Chinese, yes, but what kind ?

[yuanzhumin]

Hello
I'm curious to know more about this sword.
It is Chinese and appear to be from the 19th century.
Could you confirm and what else could you tell me about ?
Thanks for your help
Nicolas

[ariel]

I've seen some of those labeled as River Pirates Sword.
Very revealing... :rolleyes:

[Yu-Ming Chang]

These knives are called butterfly swords (hudiedao). I'm no expert, especially when it comes to dating, but I think you are right, turn of the 20th century. They often come in pairs and are usually associated with Southern China regions, which may explain the River Priates moniker. In fact, they are a popular weapon within most, if not all "Southern" Chinese martial art styles (not that anyone practices with anything resembling the real weapons these days). There is a surprising amount of variation on the exact shape of these blades. Your example is probably the most common, while others may have long slender blades. Here are a number of examples from Oriental-Arms (I hope Artzi won't mind):

http://www.oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=2342

http://www.oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=1921

[Joe]

Exellent assessment, Yu-ming. These are indeed butterfly swords, as they are called nowadays, but I've seen a number of names attributed to these, including hudiedao, bart charn dao, niu er jion dao, ect.

Popular in southern China, from the 19th century to early 20th century.

[yuanzhumin]

Thanks all of you for these interesting details.
Nicolas

[Nick Wardigo]

Can you provide some closeups of the handle? It may just be the lighting, but it looks like all of the hilt furniture is made from copper. Can you comment on that?

Thanks,
Nick