Unusual Chinese sword

Peter Dekker · 28th June 2015, 06:59 PM

Hello guys, it's been a while!

I wanted to share with you guys a recent acquisition. It follows the format of regular Chinese hudiedao, with D-shaped knucklebrow and a hook at the back of the blade, and is also of roughly the same size.

The major departure from the standard design of such swords is the symmetrical, leaf-shaped, fully double edged blade on this one where a wedge-shaped single-edge blade is the norm. Other interesting differences from Chinese hudiedao include a slightly forward curving handle, chiseled decoration on the blade, and the hook being shaped like a little dragon head.

It is most likely of tribal origin, loosely based on equipment by the Han Chinese. That's pretty much everything I know about it, I haven't seen anything similar.

Perhaps the decoration could give away which culture produced it. Anyone?

(See pictures attached. In recent polish by Philip Tom, showing some of the laminations in the steel.)

Rick · 28th June 2015, 07:02 PM

I think it's Filipino, Chinese influenced for sure .
What makes me think so is the banding at the forte and the decoration which strikes me as very Okir-like .

Sajen · 28th June 2015, 08:31 PM

I have had similar thoughts without seeing Rick's comment.

RSWORD · 28th June 2015, 08:37 PM

I agree with the consensus! I think it is Filipino. The lamination is typical for there, the banding at the block type forte, and I think the quillon is a snake or naga versus a dragon. The grip and ferrule are even quite Filipino. I bet we can find some similar blades in prior posts with similar hilts.

Robert · 28th June 2015, 09:37 PM

Yes definitely Filipino. A wonderful piece and a great addition to your collection. When you get tired of looking at it you can send it my way.

If this were listed on a certain online auction it would most likely be described as a Civil War D-guard bowie.

Best,
Robert

Jim McDougall · 28th June 2015, 09:53 PM

I'm curious what Philip said on this, he knows these weapons backward and forward

Whatever the case, its fascinating to see these hudeidao filtered into other cultures as a number of amazing examples Gav has shown over the years.

28th June 2015, 06:59 PM	#1
Peter Dekker Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kingdom of the Netherlands Posts: 63	Unusual Chinese sword Hello guys, it's been a while! I wanted to share with you guys a recent acquisition. It follows the format of regular Chinese hudiedao, with D-shaped knucklebrow and a hook at the back of the blade, and is also of roughly the same size. The major departure from the standard design of such swords is the symmetrical, leaf-shaped, fully double edged blade on this one where a wedge-shaped single-edge blade is the norm. Other interesting differences from Chinese hudiedao include a slightly forward curving handle, chiseled decoration on the blade, and the hook being shaped like a little dragon head. It is most likely of tribal origin, loosely based on equipment by the Han Chinese. That's pretty much everything I know about it, I haven't seen anything similar. Perhaps the decoration could give away which culture produced it. Anyone? (See pictures attached. In recent polish by Philip Tom, showing some of the laminations in the steel.) Attached Images

28th June 2015, 07:02 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	I think it's Filipino, Chinese influenced for sure . What makes me think so is the banding at the forte and the decoration which strikes me as very Okir-like .

28th June 2015, 08:31 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,781	I have had similar thoughts without seeing Rick's comment.

28th June 2015, 08:37 PM	#4
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,084	I agree with the consensus! I think it is Filipino. The lamination is typical for there, the banding at the block type forte, and I think the quillon is a snake or naga versus a dragon. The grip and ferrule are even quite Filipino. I bet we can find some similar blades in prior posts with similar hilts.

28th June 2015, 09:37 PM	#5
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Yes definitely Filipino. A wonderful piece and a great addition to your collection. When you get tired of looking at it you can send it my way. If this were listed on a certain online auction it would most likely be described as a Civil War D-guard bowie. Best, Robert

28th June 2015, 09:53 PM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,948	I'm curious what Philip said on this, he knows these weapons backward and forward Whatever the case, its fascinating to see these hudeidao filtered into other cultures as a number of amazing examples Gav has shown over the years.