A RARE CHINESE SWORD (DADAO), QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH/19TH CENTURY

A RARE CHINESE SWORD (DADAO), QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH/19TH CENTURY with broad slightly curved blade formed with a hatchet point, the back-edge formed with a series of grooves and a pair of fullers enclosing three pierced brass lined quatrefoils, the ricasso inscribed with four characters on one face and with a dragon on the other, brass hilt comprising vertically recurved quillons with bud-shaped terminals, iron ring pommel applied with a spiralling design in copper, and the grip bound with red fabric over black leather 25.8 cm; 29 7/8 in blade The inscription refers to an officer's promotion. This appears to be a notably fine example of its type.