Niuweidao or Ox Tail Chinese
 

Unusually good fittings IMHO. Most of these I have seen were more primitive. Black Lacquered scabbard. A serious chopper.

These got very popular in the Kung Fu movies.

Comments?

Hello Bill,

The blade probably calls for a full polish - maybe a brief staining with vinegar may already reveal hints on what a qualified polisher like Philip Tom will be able to bring out...

Regards,
Kai

Hi Kai,

I will try a light vinegar and take some more pics.

Bill

Hi Bill,
Very interesting ox tail, pretty consistant with so many brought back from China during Boxer Rebellion and early 20th c. I always get a little nervous trying to properly identify these, in case Rodell and Tom are watching :)
I have always been under the impression that the intricate wrap on the grip of this suggests older examples, but the blade and certainly the mounts are 19th c. Qing, probably latter.

Although there has been a lot of fuss about the stuff out of China, lots of stuff got out of there before thier huge 'antique' industry took off. Its hard to really imagine how much 'bringback' stuff is out there.

In any case, I've always considered these Chinese swords attractive examples of a most interesting period in our history, makes me want to watch "55 Days at Peking" and "Sand Pebbles" again :)

All the best,
Jim

I feel awful saying this but I am a little unsure as to the age you say this to be. Looking at the cord it seems a little fresh. The metal fittings also look stained but not used. I am sorry but like myself with some South Seas stuff I have post here. Sometimes the s---- hits the fan. This piece troubles me.

Hi Jim,

I think you have the description right because I bought this from Phillip Tom and Scott Rodell and that is what they said.

BTW just met Paul Chen. Atlanta Blade Show. Maybe I'll take a few of my Chinese swords over tomorrow.

108 THOUSAND square feet of sharp pointy things, and about 3 antique pieces.