Chinese sword: real or fake?

Tatyana Dianova · 3rd May 2007, 11:05 AM

I have bought this sword at the local antique fair. The seller claimed that it was brought to him by the grandson of the German officier that served in China during the Boxer Rebellion.
It seems to be the genuine sword: the blade have some battle nicks, was definitely resharpened, was bent and straightened afterwards. It feels in hand and looks like a real battle blade, has 2 grooves, some old black patina and is made from damascus steel (it is clearly evident from the wavy patina near the cutting edge and patina circles inside the grooves). The wood handle is covered with cord, which is very old and often tears from the simple touch. The cord was painted blue - you may still see the rest of the paint. The fittings are brass and show dragons theme. I have cleaned them a bit. The scabbard is very simple and is made of 2 pieces of black laquered wood.
But I still have my doubts: it is CHINESE sword and I haven't seen anything like this anywhere else. Any opinions about age and provenance?

Tim Simmons · 3rd May 2007, 11:23 AM

Looks like a really good find to me. Excellent

Henk · 3rd May 2007, 01:04 PM

I agree with Tim.

You see a nice patern on the blade. Don't want to call it wootz or damascus but I know that I like this one. Good find, congrats!

josh stout · 3rd May 2007, 04:33 PM

I think that is quite a nice find. It looks like rare horse tooth pattern welding on the blade.

Nice.

Josh

Tatyana Dianova · 10th June 2007, 10:42 PM

After some consideration, a light polish and light etch were made, and I am more than satisfied with the results

Tim Simmons · 10th June 2007, 10:45 PM

You are a winner thats for sure!!

3rd May 2007, 11:05 AM	#1
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 695	Chinese sword: real or fake? I have bought this sword at the local antique fair. The seller claimed that it was brought to him by the grandson of the German officier that served in China during the Boxer Rebellion. It seems to be the genuine sword: the blade have some battle nicks, was definitely resharpened, was bent and straightened afterwards. It feels in hand and looks like a real battle blade, has 2 grooves, some old black patina and is made from damascus steel (it is clearly evident from the wavy patina near the cutting edge and patina circles inside the grooves). The wood handle is covered with cord, which is very old and often tears from the simple touch. The cord was painted blue - you may still see the rest of the paint. The fittings are brass and show dragons theme. I have cleaned them a bit. The scabbard is very simple and is made of 2 pieces of black laquered wood. But I still have my doubts: it is CHINESE sword and I haven't seen anything like this anywhere else. Any opinions about age and provenance? Attached Images

10th June 2007, 10:42 PM	#5
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 695	After some consideration, a light polish and light etch were made, and I am more than satisfied with the results Attached Images

3rd May 2007, 11:23 AM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Looks like a really good find to me. Excellent

3rd May 2007, 01:04 PM	#3
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	I agree with Tim. You see a nice patern on the blade. Don't want to call it wootz or damascus but I know that I like this one. Good find, congrats!

3rd May 2007, 04:33 PM	#4
josh stout Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 407	I think that is quite a nice find. It looks like rare horse tooth pattern welding on the blade. Nice. Josh

10th June 2007, 10:45 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	You are a winner thats for sure!!