Mystery Spear

[David]

Originally Posted by Rick

Any provenance from the owner?

Nope, just something he can across in an antique shop.

[David R]

The faceted piece between head and socket is very indicative of a Chinese origin. As for age, Chinese militias were carrying them in WW2, but most stuff like this left China as souvenirs after the "Boxer Rebellion".

[Peter Andeweg]

It's a Chinese spearhead. Likely Ming period (1368-1644).
The form is typical for this period, but they were also manufactured later on in the same style. Yours looks old enough for late Ming IMHO.

Regards, Peter

[Philip]

Originally Posted by Peter Andeweg

It's a Chinese spearhead. Likely Ming period (1368-1644).
The form is typical for this period, but they were also manufactured later on in the same style. Yours looks old enough for late Ming IMHO.

Regards, Peter

I agree, Peter, with the continuity of style over two dynasties. Re appearance of age, it would depend to a large extent on where it's been all these years. As our experience with Western edged weapons go, dagger that has been preserved for centuries in an aristocrat's armory will look a lot "newer" than a bayonet that has been buried in a field or been rusting away in a barn since the Franco-Prussian War.

[David]

Thanks for adding your opinions Peter and and Philip. My friend should be very pleased to hear your thoughts.