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A magnificent example of early Chinese military history - A bronze infantry sword from the Spring and Autumn period, dating to approximately 600-500 BC.
This extremely well provenanced weapon was found by Colonel W. Smith during the Second World War in a tomb in Kweilin (Guilin), Guangxi province, Southern China. It has been inspected by Dr Jenny So at the Smithsonian Institute and comes with her hand written expertise. The blade was found with a number of similar examples at the time, indicating that a battle or skirmish took place in Kweilin, which resulted in the death of several infantry-men.
The sword is constructed of a flaring, trumpet-like handle, diamond-shaped crossbar and broad, robust blade. This important weapon is for battle purposes, rather than a ceremonial or decorative piece.
The Spring and Autumn period was a time of instability in Early China that followed the Zhou dynasty. It was characterized by incessant warfare of the decentralized feudal states, with a destruction of the established nobility and subsequent increases in general literacy and freedom of thought. This is the period of the great Confucius and the Hundred Schools of Thought philosophical movement that influenced East Asian Culture for millennia.
Length of sword: 21 inches.
Condition: Exceptional for the period and with a magnificent marbled green patina. Minor damage to a small area of the handle. The sword shows signs of being sharpened in antiquity, with patinated file marks on the blade edge. This fascinating feature suggests that the sword was in use for a relatively long period of time and saw genuine combat in its lifetime.
Provenance: See above. Provided in its original 20th century Chinese presentation box with calligraphic writing.
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