fossil_digger Report This Comment Date: June 08, 2007 03:41AM
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 sword is constructed of a flaring, trumpet-like handle, diamond-shaped
crossbar and broad, robust blade. The weapon is for battle purposes, rather
than a ceremonial or decorative example. The Spring and Autumn period was a time
of instability in Early China that followed the Zhou dynasty. It was
characterised by incessant warfare of the decentralised 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. Minor damage to a small area of the
handle. Provenance: See above. Provided in its original 20th century Chinese
presentation box with caligraphic writing.
Price: $12,000.00
Anonymous Report This Comment Date: June 08, 2007 04:25AM
That thing is in good shape for being that old.