Small Chinese dao

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hi,
This sword measures only 76 cm in the scabbard and the blade is 53 cm long. Previously, I heard somewhere that such small daos were made for tourists. But I don't think so since both the handle and scabbard show signs of frequent wear. The sword is also nicely balanced if held at the beginning of its large hilt. Unfortunately, I don't know anything more about that sword.... (I bought it in Prague antique shop)
Best,
Martin

[David R]

I was informed some time ago that short Dao were carried by "Cloud Ladder" troops. Specialist siege assault soldiers who used scaling ladders.

[kai]

Hello Martin,

The polished ray skin looks genuine - a good sign.

The blade seems of good quality (including the crisp fuller); OTOH, the width of the blade is much wider in the basal half while the distal half is considerably narrower - unless this was done to repair an edge damage, I am at a loss for any other reason for this shape...

Regards,
Kai

[Philip]

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Martin,

OTOH, the width of the blade is much wider in the basal half while the distal half is considerably narrower - unless this was done to repair an edge damage, I am at a loss for any other reason for this shape...

Regards,
Kai

The blade profile is correct for a Qing era short saber. They don't all widen towards the tip, regardless of length.

[kai]

Hello Philip,

The blade profile is correct for a Qing era short saber. They don't all widen towards the tip, regardless of length.

I wasn't looking for a wider tip (much less anything like a niuweidao) here.

However, in the middle of the blade (red arrow) I believe seeing a sudden decrease in width to about 90% of the basal half of the blade. Do you think this really is intentional?

Regards,
Kai

[Martin Lubojacky]

Thank you all for interesting information!
Kai, the blade is not tapered, it is an optical illusion caused by flash photography. I am attaching a new photo without flash.
Best,
Martin

[Philip]

Originally Posted by David R

I was informed some time ago that short Dao were carried by "Cloud Ladder" troops. Specialist siege assault soldiers who used scaling ladders.

This is not one of them. The specific pattern you are thinking of is a mid-18th cent. regulation style described and illustrated in the series of books on regulation equipment compiled by the Qianlong emperor ca 1759.

What we see here is probably a civilian weapon, and dating from the mid-19th cent. to ca. 1900. It's seen its share of wear and tear, but an honest old piece that retains its original configuration, some repairs but nothing missing, and it doesn't look like it's been monkeyed with.

The touristic pieces discussed elsewhere have other stylistic characteristics so are not to be confused with this piece.