Chinese Gao Tiger Head Hook Swords

Philip · 30th December 2017, 08:09 AM

Thanks, they look good overall. From all this, I would venture to say by their construction and sturdiness that they are probably pre-World War II vintage, perhaps turn of the last century, even. These were civilian weapons, and thus their use continued in various local martial arts traditions into a time when the techniques were still cultivated for combat value (even if only for street brawls between triad gangs) rather than the mostly sportive purposes pursued in more recent times. And yes, it's great to have a pair of them! So many have been separated over the years and only singles remain out of what were supposed to be sets.

drac2k · 30th December 2017, 02:34 PM

Many thanks for your valuable input! They were sold separately at auction; I got the first one and I almost let the second one get away, as I only thought I needed one example, then a voice in my head screamed "they are a pair," and at the last second I was able to win the other one

30th December 2017, 08:09 AM	#1
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	Thanks, they look good overall. From all this, I would venture to say by their construction and sturdiness that they are probably pre-World War II vintage, perhaps turn of the last century, even. These were civilian weapons, and thus their use continued in various local martial arts traditions into a time when the techniques were still cultivated for combat value (even if only for street brawls between triad gangs) rather than the mostly sportive purposes pursued in more recent times. And yes, it's great to have a pair of them! So many have been separated over the years and only singles remain out of what were supposed to be sets.

30th December 2017, 02:34 PM	#2
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,269	Many thanks for your valuable input! They were sold separately at auction; I got the first one and I almost let the second one get away, as I only thought I needed one example, then a voice in my head screamed "they are a pair," and at the last second I was able to win the other one