16th January 2023, 10:21 PM | #1 |
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Small Chinese dao
Hi,
This sword measures only 76 cm in the scabbard and the blade is 53 cm long. Previously, I heard somewhere that such small daos were made for tourists. But I don't think so since both the handle and scabbard show signs of frequent wear. The sword is also nicely balanced if held at the beginning of its large hilt. Unfortunately, I don't know anything more about that sword.... (I bought it in Prague antique shop) Best, Martin |
17th January 2023, 11:59 AM | #2 |
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I was informed some time ago that short Dao were carried by "Cloud Ladder" troops. Specialist siege assault soldiers who used scaling ladders.
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17th January 2023, 09:32 PM | #3 |
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Hello Martin,
The polished ray skin looks genuine - a good sign. The blade seems of good quality (including the crisp fuller); OTOH, the width of the blade is much wider in the basal half while the distal half is considerably narrower - unless this was done to repair an edge damage, I am at a loss for any other reason for this shape... Regards, Kai |
18th January 2023, 04:56 AM | #4 |
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The blade profile is correct for a Qing era short saber. They don't all widen towards the tip, regardless of length.
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18th January 2023, 05:02 AM | #5 | |
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Quote:
What we see here is probably a civilian weapon, and dating from the mid-19th cent. to ca. 1900. It's seen its share of wear and tear, but an honest old piece that retains its original configuration, some repairs but nothing missing, and it doesn't look like it's been monkeyed with. The touristic pieces discussed elsewhere have other stylistic characteristics so are not to be confused with this piece. |
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18th January 2023, 12:27 PM | #6 | |
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Hello Philip,
Quote:
However, in the middle of the blade (red arrow) I believe seeing a sudden decrease in width to about 90% of the basal half of the blade. Do you think this really is intentional? Regards, Kai |
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19th January 2023, 09:22 PM | #7 |
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Thank you all for interesting information!
Kai, the blade is not tapered, it is an optical illusion caused by flash photography. I am attaching a new photo without flash. Best, Martin |
20th January 2023, 08:45 PM | #8 |
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Thanks, Martin, that looks much better: Nice gradual taper!
It's not an optical illusion since it can be measured from the pic - must be an interesting software glitch. Regards, Kai |
21st January 2023, 03:44 PM | #9 | |
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