Boxer/Republican era dadao

ariel · 9th July 2012, 01:12 PM

In the lower pic, the 3rd from the right: how often do you see this type of crossgurad ( snail-like), and is it in any way indicative of age, location, quality etc. ?

Jim McDougall · 9th July 2012, 02:22 PM

On the 'snail like' crossguard....if I recall correctly it is similar to the jian like guards seen on early kora from Tibetan regions (I think early 18th century and think one is seen in Stone). I think this of course suggests possible far western Chinese frontier use....speculation of course.

Maskell, impressive (and huge!) grouping of these swords......with this number of examples have you worked on any developmental arrangement with variations or possibly other indicators in identification? It would be fascinating to know more!! For me ,condition is irrelevant but learning from these examples would be extremely valuable.

Neil · 9th July 2012, 09:24 PM

The "rams horn" guard seems to be a rather common guard form. As far as indicative of a a region, I have some that I know were collected in Northern China (Shandong, Shanxi). Although I do not think they were exclusive to this area. In relation to quality, I have seen this form on working class service pieces generally speaking. I believe my examples to be Qing era.

9th July 2012, 09:24 PM	#3
Neil Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 114	The "rams horn" guard seems to be a rather common guard form. As far as indicative of a a region, I have some that I know were collected in Northern China (Shandong, Shanxi). Although I do not think they were exclusive to this area. In relation to quality, I have seen this form on working class service pieces generally speaking. I believe my examples to be Qing era. Last edited by Neil; 10th July 2012 at 02:38 PM.

9th July 2012, 01:12 PM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	In the lower pic, the 3rd from the right: how often do you see this type of crossgurad ( snail-like), and is it in any way indicative of age, location, quality etc. ?

9th July 2012, 02:22 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,190	On the 'snail like' crossguard....if I recall correctly it is similar to the jian like guards seen on early kora from Tibetan regions (I think early 18th century and think one is seen in Stone). I think this of course suggests possible far western Chinese frontier use....speculation of course. Maskell, impressive (and huge!) grouping of these swords......with this number of examples have you worked on any developmental arrangement with variations or possibly other indicators in identification? It would be fascinating to know more!! For me ,condition is irrelevant but learning from these examples would be extremely valuable.