Is this a Boxer Rebellion era sword.

Jim McDougall · 23rd November 2008, 07:03 PM

While I agree this does have the effective appearance of certain weapons that are often seen represented in Boxer Rebellion period photos and illustrations, this is a more workmanlike example. It is often very difficult to identify weapons outside that profound event as there were weapons of so many periods in use, and so much misconception deliberately propounded by the Chinese militants and martial artists.
These are I believe actually two handed da dao that were used by Nationalist Chinese troops in the 1930's and 40's. I have seen photos of these troops wearing these in scabbards across thier backs if I recall. The scabbards are heavy leather and often have the Nationalist Party symbol near the throat.

Though relatively recent by most collectors standards, these seem rather unusual in my opinion and not commonly seen. It is interesting how often inclination to atavistic weapon forms is seen in relatively modern times, and in this case trying to recall the Ming Dynasty.

All best regards,
Jim

23rd November 2008, 07:03 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,200	While I agree this does have the effective appearance of certain weapons that are often seen represented in Boxer Rebellion period photos and illustrations, this is a more workmanlike example. It is often very difficult to identify weapons outside that profound event as there were weapons of so many periods in use, and so much misconception deliberately propounded by the Chinese militants and martial artists. These are I believe actually two handed da dao that were used by Nationalist Chinese troops in the 1930's and 40's. I have seen photos of these troops wearing these in scabbards across thier backs if I recall. The scabbards are heavy leather and often have the Nationalist Party symbol near the throat. Though relatively recent by most collectors standards, these seem rather unusual in my opinion and not commonly seen. It is interesting how often inclination to atavistic weapon forms is seen in relatively modern times, and in this case trying to recall the Ming Dynasty. All best regards, Jim