Chinese Straight Dao Sword with Ring Pomel c.1900

We have for sale an unusual Chinese straight Dao sword dating to somewhere around the late 19th century to the early 20th Century. The Chinese Dao sword is of a single edged double handed form consisting of a straight blade with a rounded tip extending to a rope bound handle terminating in a ring pommel. The grip is decorated with four simple tassels each incorporating a black bead. What makes this sword unusual is the straight blade. Single edged Dao swords first started to be used in China from the Song dynasty, by the late Qing dynasty the vast majority were of the Dadao form as in being broad towards the tip and curved. This of course makes the straight Dao swords quite rare. The curved Dadao swords are often referred to as being Boxer rebellion swords, although they were still in use during the early Chinese Republic period into the Sino Japanese wars of the 1930s. This sword is 40.5 inches (104cm) long and is in an aged and pitted condition, however, the blade still holds a good edge. The rope forming the grip is original and more darkly stained by long use than the photographs would indicate. Under the Offensive Weapons Act of 2019 buyers are required to be over 18 to purchase antique weapons. Before purchasing this sword you need to provide proof of age by sending us by email a copy of your photo Id, i.e., driving licence or passport. We do apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.