Chinese Sword

josh stout · 19th May 2009, 02:43 PM

I think niuweidao is the general term for the many broad bladed, sabers with a raised yelman, while "manchu dao" may be more of a collectors term. Manchu dao are certainly a recognizable subset of the oxtail style, and the scabbards are similar to Qing regulation scabbards for the willow leaf swords of the regular army. It is not wild speculation to suppose that there were regular militia under Manchu control that used these swords. Nevertheless, until a militia regulation manual terns up, I will put this term with other collector’s terms for recognizable types, such as the Qijiadao, that may have some historical basis, but are unsubstantiated.

Just for reference, here are some niuweidao that are not of the "Manchu dao" type, mixed with some other civilian dao.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...i/DSC_1053.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...duation357.jpg

Josh

Amuk Murugul · 20th May 2009, 06:01 AM

Hullo everybody,

While the topic is still current, I thought I'd post these pix (sorry for the poor quality). Is this the genuine article, or merely a wall hanger?

Thank you.

josh stout · 2nd June 2009, 07:46 PM

As I have said many times, it is difficult for me to date late pieces in good condition. Nevertheless, because no one else has tried, I will say these are probably late Republican. Many such blades copy earlier things, and may have artificial patination to make them look older. Look for signs of real age, including a chipping or wearing away of any artificial patina.

I see late examples to still be "real" if they have a good steel blade. The pattern welded ones are obviously nice, but some mono-steel ones were also made with quality.
Josh

Amuk Murugul · 3rd June 2009, 05:37 AM

Hullo everybody,

Thanks Josh!

Best,

20th May 2009, 06:01 AM	#2
Amuk Murugul Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kaboejoetan Galoenggoeng Mélben Posts: 474	Real McCoy......? Hullo everybody, While the topic is still current, I thought I'd post these pix (sorry for the poor quality). Is this the genuine article, or merely a wall hanger? Thank you. Attached Images

19th May 2009, 02:43 PM	#1
josh stout Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 407	I think niuweidao is the general term for the many broad bladed, sabers with a raised yelman, while "manchu dao" may be more of a collectors term. Manchu dao are certainly a recognizable subset of the oxtail style, and the scabbards are similar to Qing regulation scabbards for the willow leaf swords of the regular army. It is not wild speculation to suppose that there were regular militia under Manchu control that used these swords. Nevertheless, until a militia regulation manual terns up, I will put this term with other collector’s terms for recognizable types, such as the Qijiadao, that may have some historical basis, but are unsubstantiated. Just for reference, here are some niuweidao that are not of the "Manchu dao" type, mixed with some other civilian dao. http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...i/DSC_1053.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...duation357.jpg Josh

2nd June 2009, 07:46 PM	#3
josh stout Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 407	As I have said many times, it is difficult for me to date late pieces in good condition. Nevertheless, because no one else has tried, I will say these are probably late Republican. Many such blades copy earlier things, and may have artificial patination to make them look older. Look for signs of real age, including a chipping or wearing away of any artificial patina. I see late examples to still be "real" if they have a good steel blade. The pattern welded ones are obviously nice, but some mono-steel ones were also made with quality. Josh

3rd June 2009, 05:37 AM	#4
Amuk Murugul Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kaboejoetan Galoenggoeng Mélben Posts: 474	Hullo everybody, Thanks Josh! Best,