Boxer Rebellion Sword - request for advice
 

May be common sword, nevertheless not my specialization and I would appreciate your help - answers to the folloving questions:

Why they used to be completely (incl. handle, metal fittings) black coloured ? Is it original colour or it was colured additionaly (see detail - also scratch was coloured). Shouldn´t this black "enamel" be removed during restoring ? If yes - completely or from certain parts only ?

The blade is very, very heavy and thick (not ballanced) and my opinion is the "fencing" with one hand would be rather cumbersome. Is this sword for two/"one and half" hands (the handle is relatively long) ?

Regards,

Martin

Martin I cannot see any enamel on this, perhaps because of the light. I would be surprised to see real molten glass enamel on a sword like this. It looks genuine to me, file marks on the handle but originally it would be covered in ray or shark skin.

Hi Martin,

As Tim noted, the handle should be covered with something like cloth or leather.

As for the weight and balance, it's not designed for European-style fencing, but for circular slashes, and I'm pretty sure it's a single-handed blade. That said, it could also simply be badly balanced. That did happen, especially during war-time.

Best,

F

Hi Martin,
I have a very similar one if you would like to compare? Also very heavy and still retaining some black 'paint' although sadly no scabbard.
Let me know how the size/weight compares.
Regards
Gene

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=chinese

here's a good series of photos on how to re-wrap the grip.

it's in chinese, but the photos say it all....

Linky

Thank you all for answers and good references/links.
Gene, dimensions are:
total length (in sheath): 95 cm
without sheath: 92 cm
weight without sheath: 1. 3 kgs
blade:
lenght: 75 cm
width: 4. 3 cm
thickness: 0. 6 cm (up tp 20 cm from the tip)
smooth surface, buth with signs of fighting

Thats interesting, thanks for posting the stats on your mate :D
I always find these comparisons very interesting.
Heres how mine measures up!

total length (sword): 91 cm
weight (sword): 1. 475 kgs
blade length: 75 cm
width: 4.3 cm
Spine thickness: 0. 6 cm (gradually thinning from half-way point)

P.S
Whats your guard like? Mines loose as hell :(

Its an interesting contrast.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c5...tia/Image1.jpg

I really should take the ghastly string off the handle and start the restoration :(

Cheers Kronck :D

The guard wabbles a little

I notice the hole in the handle of your sword is right where I thought the tang would be thinning down to enter the pommel.
So I guess the tang is wide right up to near the end?
Are you going to repolish the blade?

Sorry for late reply, Gene.

"I notice the hole in the handle of your sword is right where I thought the tang would be thinning down to enter the pommel.
So I guess the tang is wide right up to near the end?"
-- I am of the same idea, we will see when I overhaul it.

"Are you going to repolish the blade?"
--I would like to do it and also to etch the blade (for the case...). And to re-wrap the handle. (But everything later, not now).

Regards,

Martin