Dao ?

Philip · 1st June 2017, 07:48 AM

Blade could quite possibly have some age to it, maybe well back into the 19th cent. I've seen similar elsewhere that were also convincing.

Fittings are another matter. Rayskin is brand spanking new. The irregular patchwork assembly of panels, and mismatched colors on the scabbard are not historical, it's a recent, amateur restoration. Grip is rather fresh-looking for something that would have seen a lot of handling (and with the blade looking like it's been round the block a good many times.)

The base of the pommel, which has a straight and not concave contour, is characteristic of a lot of new work. The relief deco on it, and on the guard, are rather crisp considering that these are areas that see wear from handling, and often get bumped and bruised from handling and combat, and from banging against things when the saber is worn at the belt.

There is a tendency in the antiques trade in China today to remount old(er) blades in new fittings to make them complete and more saleable. Unfortunately this is the impression generated by this example.

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1st June 2017, 07:48 AM	#3
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	Blade could quite possibly have some age to it, maybe well back into the 19th cent. I've seen similar elsewhere that were also convincing. Fittings are another matter. Rayskin is brand spanking new. The irregular patchwork assembly of panels, and mismatched colors on the scabbard are not historical, it's a recent, amateur restoration. Grip is rather fresh-looking for something that would have seen a lot of handling (and with the blade looking like it's been round the block a good many times.) The base of the pommel, which has a straight and not concave contour, is characteristic of a lot of new work. The relief deco on it, and on the guard, are rather crisp considering that these are areas that see wear from handling, and often get bumped and bruised from handling and combat, and from banging against things when the saber is worn at the belt. There is a tendency in the antiques trade in China today to remount old(er) blades in new fittings to make them complete and more saleable. Unfortunately this is the impression generated by this example.