Description

Presented is a Qing military saber from around the mid 19th century. Its massive blade is 10mm thick at the forte but its distal taper ensures a fine balance for this heavy piece. The blade is well-made, with prominent layering in the forge folded construction and an inserted high-carbon edge plate. The edge on these is always incredibly hard. It retains perfect edge contours and its original tip. Blade in excellent condition, no pitting, cracks, nicks, etc.

The original mountings are of substantial, thick gauze bras in a classic example of the "round style" or yuanshi. The guard is a thick, 5mm thick brass plate. The scabbard is covered with dyed ray-skin, almost 100% intact.

I wrapped it in the standard style for these sabers, based on several examples I've had over the year. I also reconstructed its suspension system and added a hook that is a copy of an original hook of a similar saber in my collection.

The saber from this article (top) compared to a saber kept in my own collection.
My saber still retains the original wrap and belt hook.

Conclusion

This is an excellently preserved example of a Qing military saber of the 19th century. This particular pattern was the last good quality saber that was produced for the Qing armies, forge folded with skill and ground with a precision reminiscent of swords made in the 18th century.