dao sword , Qing period , willow leaf ?...

[francantolin]

Hello,

I got this chinese dao sword with brass mounts,
The blade is interesting, with double fullers, an islamic- persian influence ??


I wonder if it is an early 20th century model or if it's older ?

The scabbard is made of lacquered wood.
sadly he has really big cracks, I wonder if I can restore it ?

What do you think ?

Kind regards.

Francky

[francantolin]

...

Any comment welcomed !
Thank you !!

[mariusgmioc]

In my novice oppinion it is a good, classic example of Liuyedao (willow leaf) saber as you correctly mention, but I am not so sure about it's age.

[kronckew]

Restoration depends on your skill & comfort level, some collectors would keep it as is, warts and all and feel any restoration lowers the value. Some would do some minor repairs that improve the display appearance or usability but would ultimately be reversible. Some might rebuild the scabbard or replace the damaged area.

I'm assuming the cracks are the ones you show near the tip. If it were mine, I'd probably fill any widely open cracks with coloured epoxy putty, being careful to ensure none got inside to prevent the sword from seating. for cracks under 1 mm you might be able to wick in some HV superglue. Then sand & re-lacquer the area with real black lacquer, not paint. Resecure the scabbard end fitting with the lacquer - or other glue as needed if an authentic look is not needed. Guard looks like it might be a bit wobbly, I'd carefully wick in some HV superglue. Do not polish the patina off the brass.

I leave comments on age to the experts here. Could be an Imperial troopers sword. Segmented fullers on Qing dynasty swords were not uncommon, these unique fuller designs derive from Indian and Iranian influences.

[francantolin]

Hello,
Thanks a lot Kronckew,

I have real lacquer ( gomme laque- kerria lacca )but it's yellow-translucent,
do you know which pigments I can use for tint it in black (dark brown...)?

The fullers on the blade with Indo persian influence are interesting, don't really know if they are old or quite recent,

A production of eastern china ( Xinjiang area...), close with tibet,india, tadjikistan ?

or just the copy/fantasy of a craftsman/ carver from Beijing ?...
China is so big !...

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by francantolin

Hello,
Thanks a lot Kronckew,

I have real lacquer ( gomme laque- kerria lacca )but it's yellow-translucent,
do you know which pigments I can use for tint it in black (dark brown...)?

The fullers on the blade with Indo persian influence are interesting, don't really know if they are old or quite recent,

A production of eastern china ( Xinjiang area...), close with tibet,india, tadjikistan ?

or just the copy/fantasy of a craftsman/ carver from Beijing ?...
China is so big !...

Regarding the fullers, it is exactly them that make me have some doubts about the age of the sword.

Regarding restauration of the scabbard, I would definitely not do it. Applying new lacquer, no matter how good match to the original, will be very visible.
Besides, the scabbard is in overall good condition, consistent with age and wear an definitiely wouldn't like one that looks new.
But it is your sword and your call!

[kronckew]

Here's one found online: 19c Qing dynasty officer's dao. I think someone told me once yellow grip bindings were used for Imperial Guards. Green, for other Iperial troops.

[kronckew]

My Qing Dynasty razor. This is a more brutal beast for a lower level warrior.

[Peter Dekker]

Hi guys,

Nice piece! Yours is a standard pattern Qing military officer's saber of the mid 19th century, probably of northern origin, possibly Beijing. The greenish grip wrap was once a deep indigo blue.

While they superficially all tend to look the same, these come in a rather wide variety of qualities. I'd say your blade is among the better ones, with very precisely cut grooves. The work on the mounts is more standard quality for this type.

Officers got fixed payments in silver to purchase their equipment, and so focussed on what they found important. In your case, he put extra care in the blade.

These Islamic style grooves probably made their way into China already during times of Mongol rule and were produced throughout the empire by the 18th century. See: https://www.metmuseum.org/pubs/journ...f.bannered.pdf

I've had several over the years. The pictures posted above by Kronckew are from my site. Here's the full article:
http://mandarinmansion.com/chinese-officer-saber

Another one, with rare blade:
http://mandarinmansion.com/chinese-s...se-tooth-blade

An exceptional one:
http://mandarinmansion.com/rare-chin...ist-core-saber

And finally, an example of the plain type that the regular soldiers would be carrying:
http://mandarinmansion.com/19th-cent...military-saber

As for restoring, I'm not sure where you are located but if I were you I'd send it over to Philip Tom for a good fix.

I hope this helps!

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by francantolin

I got this chinese dao sword with brass mounts,
The blade is interesting, with double fullers, an islamic- persian influence ??

Hello Francky,

I think that Peter has told you everything you want to know. The only I can add is that your sword is a real beauty and Peter has shown by links how your sword can look after a good TLC! Very nice, congrats!

Regards,
Detlef

[francantolin]

Waooh !

Really thank you all !!!
This internet site is really marvelous !
Thank you gentlemen !!!

I didn't expect so much precious advices and comments !
really glad to see the same dao sword
( with a scabbard in really good conditions !! ( nice restoration !)

Sorry I didn't answer sooner, I wasn't at home this weekend.

Congratulations Peter for your exceptional site !

Kronckew, your Qing dynasty razor is just amazing !
I really like these kind of powerful weapons !! : )

Kind regards

Francky

[kronckew]

Knowledge is useful only if it is passed on.