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8 A CHINESE SWORD (DAO), QING DYNASTY, LATE 19TH CENTURY with curved blade formed with a scalloped back-edge, cut with a long fuller and a further fuller divided into four sections with copper pellets between, cut with a stylised dragon on one side of the forte and a series of Chinese characters on the other (Danei shiwei zhuanyong: Exclusive use for the Imperial guards) copper hilt comprising dish guard, ferrule and pommel all cast with traditional scrolls in low relief, and wooden grip bound with cord 74cm; 29 1/4in blade
10 A RARE IRON CANNON, 17TH/19TH CENTURY, CHINESE OR INDIAN formed of hammer welded longitudinal bars bound by seven reinforced bands alternating with six slender bands, stepped moulded muzzle, and fitted with a ring at each end for transport; together with an associated breech block, with rebated muzzle, hexagonal body, and reinforced breech fitted with a hexagonal pan the barrel: 148cm; 58 1/4in long 4cm; 1 1/2in bore (2)
‡ £300-500
The appearance of this cannon is strikingly similar to European examples of the late 15th/early 16th Century that was widely imitated over the subsequent centuries in India, China and other parts of the far East. For another example preserved in the Royal Armouries see H. L. Blackmore 1976, pp. 175-176 (inv. no. XIX.110).
9 A RARE 28 BORE CHINESE MATCHLOCK GUN, 18TH/19TH CENTURY AND A .620 CALIBRE AFGHAN FLINTLOCK RIFLE, 19TH CENTURY the first with swamped sighted barrel retained by two brass bands, the breech with standing back-sight and integral pan with pivot-cover, the action enclosed within the stock, retained by a brass plaque, curved iron serpentine and trigger, hardwood full stock (small cracks) including a flat forward lug for resting and a rounded rear lug, each pierced and set with an engraved brass foliate washer, a single sling swivel, and the butt retaining its pouch for match cord; the second with tapering octagonal Turkish barrel, East India company lock, and figured hardwood full stock (losses) the first: 75.5cm; 29 3/4in barrel (2)
£1200-1500
A similar example to the first was sold in these rooms, 29th June 2011 lot 75. £600-800
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