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

francantolin · 28th February 2019, 09:05 PM

...

Any comment welcomed !
Thank you !!

mariusgmioc · 28th February 2019, 11:21 PM

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 · 1st March 2019, 08:52 AM

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 · 1st March 2019, 02:41 PM

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 · 1st March 2019, 04:14 PM

Quote:

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 · 1st March 2019, 05:48 PM

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 · 1st March 2019, 06:04 PM

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

28th February 2019, 09:05 PM	#1
francantolin Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 905	... Any comment welcomed ! Thank you !! Attached Images

1st March 2019, 08:52 AM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,215	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. Last edited by kronckew; 1st March 2019 at 09:09 AM.

1st March 2019, 05:48 PM	#6
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,215	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. Attached Images Last edited by kronckew; 1st March 2019 at 06:07 PM.

1st March 2019, 06:04 PM	#7
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,215	My Qing Dynasty razor. This is a more brutal beast for a lower level warrior. Attached Images

28th February 2019, 11:21 PM	#2
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,906	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.

1st March 2019, 02:41 PM	#4
francantolin Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 905	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 !...