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