Northern China Military Saber, 2nd Half 18th Century

This saber is typically a Chinese military saber, dating from the middle of the Qing dynasty, and more precisely from the second half of the 18th century or the very beginning of the 19th century.
The name of this weapon varies according to the authors: Yan Ma Dao, Qing Dao, Da Dao, Liu Ye Dao... let's say for simplicity that it is a military Dao, originating from Northern China.
The all-black, somewhat austere mount corresponds to military use, unlike the sabers of imperial officials, which were generally much more decorated, and whose blades were much lighter.
BLADE: It is a beautiful and strong thick blade, intended for combat. It has a single edge and has a slight curve. On each side, a groove that begins 10 cm after the guard and ends 14 cm from the tip.
This blade has some traces of oxidation that could probably be improved by polishing with sandpaper.
Blade length = 70 cm, Width near the guard = 4 cm, thickness near the guard 7.5 mm
GUARD: This is the guard in the shape of an oval disc with a cupped edge on the blade side, called a "point blocker". It is made of iron. and measures 8.7 cm in its largest axis
HANDLE: It is made of wood covered with a complicated braid. A strong iron ferrule joins it with the guard.
POMMEL: It is made of iron and extends the handle. The tang of the blade exceeds the pommel by 1.5 cm
SCABBARD: it is made of wood covered with black shagreen (ray skin). Sheath entrance and chape are iron .
Note that the shagreen is sewn at the first and last part of the scabbard. An iron suspension system with two attachment holes allows the saber to be worn on the belt.
Very small wear losses on the wood, on the upper part of the scabbard just under the iron attachment. Not visible.
This type of old military saber is quite rare in the West.
Shipping costs France 30€, Europe 40€
Ref B-2454