antique 19thc Chinese Qing short side arm dao sword China Asian knife dagger

Description

A good old 19thc Chinese short side arm dao sword in original as found state and new to the antique edged market that was sourced in the Uk recently.
The type is typical and shorter than most daos, carried by Chinese troupes and apparently if my research is correct used by Chinese archers of the period later Qing dynasty.
The blade is made from Laminated steel, in good overall order and without rust or damage, it is clear to see the laminate in areas near to its tip on the cutting edge and in other areas when looked at through a glass, the laminate is typical and as expected for this age dao.
The top spinal edge ends with an armor piercing tip and false edge like clip point, the patina is good overall as the pics show.
Th hilt is typical with a through tang, wood with a covering of ray skin and a wrap of brass - bronze, the mounts are as they should be for this type of dao and in bronze, possibly would have been gilt when it was in use ??.
On the pommel of the hilt there is a plug on one side, maybe a casting fault during its manufacture but has been done well and at its time of making, the end of the tang slightly protrudes from the pommel but the hilt is not loose, maybe there was a small washer - spacer there that is now missing, this does not detract from the sword and could easily be peaned over, I could do this if the buyer wishes at no cost but have left it as is as I do not want to interfere with the patina.
No scabbard sadly, but maybe one could be found or made for it.
Overall an honest antique sword in very good condition considering age with no looseness to any of the mounts and no bends or edge damage and a good starter piece for someone who wants to start a Chinese sword collection.
size is 24-1/2 inches in total length, blade is 18-1/2 inches, hilt 6 inches.
Please note, I will not post this sword to mainland China, I will however post to Hong Kong.
The item will be posted with royal mail tracked and signed small parcel from within the UK with basic insurance, if insurance to the value sold at ebay is wanted then the extra cost is down to the buyer so please do contact me for the extra cost of added insurance on your postage costs.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL WITH NO RETURN OPTION
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THIS IS NOTHING PERSONAL, IT IS ONLY DUE TO BAD EXPERIENCES IN THE PAST WITH A FEW NON PAYERS THAT MAKE IT BAD FOR OTHERS.