Overall length: 84,5 cm / 33,3 inch
Blade length: 70,7 cm
Width at forte: 28 mm
Thickness at forte: 9 mm
Weight without scabbard: about 700 grams
DESCRIPTION
A well-forged blade of qiangang construction with wavy layered pattern. Edge plate is well contrasted with the body and of considerable hardness. It has a single deep fuller on each side with a well-defined raised backedge. All surfaces are even with no signs of excessive polishing. Spine and edge contours are smooth arcs without noticeable deviation. Blade in new polish with isolated remains of pitting. The left side has a deeple chiseled cartouche with five swastikas, referring to the five blessings of life: health, lots of offspring, luck, fortune, and a peaceful death. The characters on the right side are fu and lu, Fu for luck and lu for good fortune, it also describes an official's salary. A very rare saber, probably dating from the 17th century. It shows signs of high quality manufacture and rather unusually for blades of its age its contours have not been disfigured by extensive grinding and repolishing.
RESTORATION HISTORY
Mounted in associated hilt fittings of the 18th century, the pommel has minute remains of chiseled and gilt flower motiffs. Comes with a wooden resting scabbard made by Philip Tom. Traditional grip wrap with high grade black cotton cord by Peter Dekker.
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