Opinions on the Chinese Dao

Martin Lubojacky · 8th January 2023, 06:10 PM

I recently purchased this sword. The total length in the scabbard is 95 cm, the length of the blade is 73 cm. The blade is different from the heavy blades of classic "Boxer Rebellion sabers"- it is considerably lighter, the whole sword is surprisingly nicely balanced. The blade is solid, absolutely straight (not bent), slightly flexible, and rings beautifully when tapped. Unfortunately, it is damaged by corrosion.
The sword in the pictures is already after basic mechanical cleaning.
According to the seller, the sword is from 1900, but I believe it could be older. On the other hand, I have a little doubt - whether it is not a fake - because the rust was suspiciously compact and same everywhere. All fittings are made of approx. 2 mm thick iron sheet. The scabbard is in good condition and covered with what looks like brushed leather. The handle is made o wood. I welcome any opinion. Thanks, Martin

Ren Ren · 8th January 2023, 08:05 PM

In my opinion this is an excellent Chinese sword from the 1850s-60s.
Perhaps the wood parts and leather have been replaced. If you have the opportunity to take a close photograph of the leather, especially the stitching, then this would help determine the authenticity.

I noticed traces of engraving on the ricasso. It would be good to pay attention to them.

kai · 8th January 2023, 09:51 PM

It certainly looks like a quality blade - congrats, Martin!

Martin Lubojacky · 9th January 2023, 06:27 PM

Ren ren and Kai, Thank you for your opinions. Enclosed pls find detail of the sheath covering. It looks like brushed leather, which was glued on.
Best,
Martin

Ren Ren · 9th January 2023, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

Ren ren and Kai, Thank you for your opinions. Enclosed pls find detail of the sheath covering. It looks like brushed leather, which was glued on.
Best,
Martin

I am 98% sure that the leather was changed to artificially aged.

But this does not apply to metal parts. They are very good!

Jim McDougall · 9th January 2023, 11:06 PM

This is a remarkable Manchu saber, and as often the case, categorically seems 'liuyedao' but has that slight oxtail 'peak' near distal section of blade. The unusually austere suspension bar and mounts, as well as scabbard rings and throat are outstanding, and adds to the very 'solid' character of this sword.

The slight cant of the grip, the huanshou, seem to align with possible 'minority' character possibly Yunnan and it is tempting to note the similarity of the pommel to Tibetan so called 'ke tri' (trilobe) adding to that suggestion.

My exposure to Chinese swords is limited, but I wanted to add what I could, and as always, hope to prompt corrections or other observations that might add to what I think is well noted period of mid 19th c.

I agree that this is a high quality blade, and likely remounted in the Manchu period in 19th c. as it seems many were. I have an earlier 'willow leaf' blade which was remounted in these type mounts mid 19th c. as well so it seems quite a regular action.

The 'Boxer' period attribution is simply commonly assumed as this was a remarkably 'international' event in which many Chinese arms and souvenirs were brought out, which included items of much earlier periods.

8th January 2023, 06:10 PM	#1
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 836	Opinions on the Chinese Dao I recently purchased this sword. The total length in the scabbard is 95 cm, the length of the blade is 73 cm. The blade is different from the heavy blades of classic "Boxer Rebellion sabers"- it is considerably lighter, the whole sword is surprisingly nicely balanced. The blade is solid, absolutely straight (not bent), slightly flexible, and rings beautifully when tapped. Unfortunately, it is damaged by corrosion. The sword in the pictures is already after basic mechanical cleaning. According to the seller, the sword is from 1900, but I believe it could be older. On the other hand, I have a little doubt - whether it is not a fake - because the rust was suspiciously compact and same everywhere. All fittings are made of approx. 2 mm thick iron sheet. The scabbard is in good condition and covered with what looks like brushed leather. The handle is made o wood. I welcome any opinion. Thanks, Martin Attached Images

8th January 2023, 08:05 PM	#2
Ren Ren Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Russia, Moscow Posts: 365	In my opinion this is an excellent Chinese sword from the 1850s-60s. Perhaps the wood parts and leather have been replaced. If you have the opportunity to take a close photograph of the leather, especially the stitching, then this would help determine the authenticity. I noticed traces of engraving on the ricasso. It would be good to pay attention to them. Last edited by Ren Ren; 8th January 2023 at 08:08 PM. Reason: Addition

9th January 2023, 06:27 PM	#4
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 836	Ren ren and Kai, Thank you for your opinions. Enclosed pls find detail of the sheath covering. It looks like brushed leather, which was glued on. Best, Martin Attached Images

8th January 2023, 09:51 PM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,215	It certainly looks like a quality blade - congrats, Martin!

9th January 2023, 11:06 PM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,738	This is a remarkable Manchu saber, and as often the case, categorically seems 'liuyedao' but has that slight oxtail 'peak' near distal section of blade. The unusually austere suspension bar and mounts, as well as scabbard rings and throat are outstanding, and adds to the very 'solid' character of this sword. The slight cant of the grip, the huanshou, seem to align with possible 'minority' character possibly Yunnan and it is tempting to note the similarity of the pommel to Tibetan so called 'ke tri' (trilobe) adding to that suggestion. My exposure to Chinese swords is limited, but I wanted to add what I could, and as always, hope to prompt corrections or other observations that might add to what I think is well noted period of mid 19th c. I agree that this is a high quality blade, and likely remounted in the Manchu period in 19th c. as it seems many were. I have an earlier 'willow leaf' blade which was remounted in these type mounts mid 19th c. as well so it seems quite a regular action. The 'Boxer' period attribution is simply commonly assumed as this was a remarkably 'international' event in which many Chinese arms and souvenirs were brought out, which included items of much earlier periods.