A very rare Chinese saber guard dating from the height of the Qing dynasty.

53.2 cm / 20.9 inch
39.3 cm / 15.5 inch
Base 9 mm
Middle 8.5 mm
Base 20 mm
925 grams
China, Qing dynasty
Iron
19th century
Introduction
As a non-military weapon, not much was written about Chinese tiě chǐ (鐵尺) or "iron ruler" style maces but their appearance on the antique market suggests their use was fairly widespread in certain circles.
They probably served as weapons used by guards and security personnel that aimed at disabling, but preferably not killing their opponent if not necessary.
Their name derives off the fact that the rod is often shaped like the classic Chinese ruler. As a weapon, the rectangular cross-section provides the option to hit with the flat or perform a more damaging hit with the edge.
Description
A classic example. The flat, wide rod has a center ridge on one side, flat on the other. The handle consists of a thick tang with a heavy iron bolster on either side. The handle would have probably been wrapped with cord over fabric at some point. The heavy handle provides it with a fairly quick balance, despite the considerable weight.
Of classic shape, with a leaf-shaped blade on a socket, connected by a cast bronze base.
A standard pattern Qing military saber, but with the rare addition of a label in Manchu.
A simple utilitarian weapon, probably made for rural martial artists or militia.