A wonderful Dadao of massive proportions.
This lovely old sword measures 111cms long. For a sword of this size, it does play wonderfully in the hand.
The large Kilij style blade shows very well cut fullers, a very pronounced raised yelman, nice distal taper, notches to the spine and a pierced blade housing brass coin motifs.
To the forte is engraved a dragon to one side and four Chinese characters (Bu Bu Gao Sheng) to the other that translated read "Rise Steadily in Career".
The guard is hammer beaten brass/bronze, the hilt is wooden slabs covered in stitched fabric and the pommel is of unusual form being that of a double gourd.
Both the Ring pommel and the cross guard show gilding that has in places a green patina to it.
This sword has considerable age to it. The hilt slabs have movement, the guard shows a repair and the character to each side are worn but visable. Dispite these points this is a massive and unique example of a military presentation sword from the mid to late 19th century is a nice example of a rare Chinese presentation sword and the first such example of the era that I have ever seen or heard of.
From my personal collection.
