Hi Gav, and thank you for noticing my little soliloquy here!!
I really appreciate the response, and the information on the tortoise shell material is most interesting. You're absolutely right...not much escapes Philip on these weapons, and when information comes from him I consider it pretty much the final word on the topic.
I think your note on presentation items to dignitaries is very well placed, especially as it seems there was a great deal of diplomatic activity in China from the time of the Qianlong emperor and preceding the turmoil of the 19th century.
Fascinating history!~!
All the best,
Jim
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