Presented for the collector of esoteric edged weapons or those with a particular interest in the China Relief Expedition or \"Boxer Rebellion\" is this fabulous relic of that campaign in the form of what I would offhandedly call a \"temple sword.\" Perhaps it was an executioner\'s sword or the sword of an imperial guard. Whatever the case, this one is unique in my experience. This piece originates from a collection of unusual edged weapons and ephemera that I will be listing in the near future. This sword was brought back from the Forofferden City or its environs by Oliver B. Fisher of Company L, 14th U. S. Infantry. The 14th Infantry was heavily engaged in the battles leading up to the lifting of the siege of the various legations in Peking during the China Relief Expeditionof 1900. The 14th Infantry is most noted for its assault on the walled city near the Tung Pien Gate where Private Calvin P. Titus of Company E responded to a call for volunteers to scale the wall in an effort to secure a better lodgement. His feat, performed under the fire of the fanatical \"Boxers,\" was so spectacular that it warranted an appointment to the Military Academy at West Point and award of the Medal of Honor. Oliver B. Fisher brought this sword home as a memento of the action in Peking. His letters and some other ephemera exist in a collection that I know of, but this sword was unfortunately separated from them some time ago. The sword is in untouched, uncleaned, as-found condition. The blade is most certainly of Japanese manufacture and is of the very ancient \"chokuto\" form which is very straight having substantial mass and an elongated kissaki or tip. The blade from tip to the end of the tang measures a little over 38 and 1/4 inches long! The nakago is dark, unsigned, and possesses one punched hole for the mekugi. Evidence of a choji-style hamon is present on the blade. The blade does have some random patches of surface rust that is very thin. It is; however, generally bright in an old polish. This blade form dates to the 10th century and is the earliest form of Japanese sword that copied Chinese swords of that period. Although I do not think that this blade is that old, it is of a form that was culturally familiar to Chinese for centuries while in Japan it evolved into a more gracefully curved and balance affair that reached the zenith of perfection. The \"chokuto\" form evolved into what we would colloquially call a \"samurai sword.\" The presence of the habaki, fine lines, and extant polish of the blade indicate to me that it is of Japanese manufacture intended for export to China. I would offer that it is Shinto or Shinshinto, in other words, it was manufactured in the late 18th to mid-19th century. I\'m not certain of that as I am not a specialist in dating unsigned blades. That is my gut feeling after examining it. It is interesting that the blade form is an ancient Chineseone which was produced inJapan. Japanese swordsmiths enhanced and perfected the design over centuries yet later made the ancient form for export back toChina which wastheland of its origin. The handle is of wood that is finished with a rough brown lacquer or varnish. Four cartouches of two characters each are raised in the lacquer as a part of the hilt design. Please see the photos as these may offer a clue asto where this sword was posted or stood guard. The pommel consists of a forged iron, conical cap with a large ring passing through it. The handle is wrapped with string in a couple of places which is an old repair from many years ago. The mekugi or peg is gone, but that could be easily fixed with a piece of bamboo. The scabbard is quite striking and is very Chinese in its appearance and construction. It measures 35 inches in length and is constructed of wood that is octagonal in form. It is reinforced with iron bands at the throat and toe and is finished in a rough brown lacquer or varnish. It is further embellishedover its entire surface with large, square shank, iron tacks with highly domed heads. Five of these have gone missing in its long journey, but the rest are there and you cant readily notice that any are gone.Before I knew its history, the studded scabbard reminded me of the gates of the Forofferden City itself. Perhaps this sword was intended for use by one of the gate guards? That is speculation; however, the Chinese appearance and provenance is unquestionable. The overall length of the swordwhen sheathed is 50 inches! Thus, shipping of this piece is going to be outside the scope of normal Priority Mail rates. This wonderful piece stands on its own merit as a display item in a collection of Boxer Rebellion artifacts or Chinese themed decor. I promise you will never see another like it. ! Please see my other listings for items which may interest you. Good luck!
NOTE: The shipping charges are reflective of USPS Priority Mail rates and additional packing materials. I will invoice only those shipping and insurance charges (if more than the basic $50 coverage rate is required) obtained from the USPS website with special expenses or previously discussed requests excepted. International buyers should contact me to discuss terms, insurance, and or viability of shipping to your country. Specialized packing materials, boxes, or other arrangements may cost more with large or oddly-sized items. Pleaseunderstand the extra cost and time involved if that is necessary.I will make the shippingas safe, secure, above board, and cheap as possible.
Contact: Communication is the operative act in any transaction. I will be more than happy to engage in a dialogue about a particular item before and after the close of the sale. Please ask any questions that might influence your offerding prior to the end of the sale. I will consider the item yours after you have won it. Please tender payment within 3 days of the close of the sale. I will, of course, send a reminder toward the end of that time. I will endeavor to answer any question promptly and accurately to the level of detail required for your satisfaction. I will also indulge additional photo requests if the posted photos do not illustrate a particular aspect ofthe item you are curious about. Rest assured that the photos and description accurately depict the item being saleed. What you see is what you get. The sooner I receive funds, the sooner your item leaves my hands!
Payment: Payment in full must be received within 3 days of the close of the sale.
Shipping: USPS Priority Mail is my \"service of choice.\" If you want something different let me know and I will attempt to accommodate you if I can. Oddly shaped items that do not fit into the standard Priority Mail boxes may be more or less expensive depending on weight. The beauty of Priority Mail is that it is a flat rate. Contact me at the close of the sale if you feel the need to choose another USPS service or carrier. Large items or items requiring a special box, packing, or freight charges will require a little more legwork on my part, but I will make every effort to get it to you as safely, quickly,and economically practical as possible and will promptly update you accordingly. I will combine shipping on multiple purchases when applicable.
Returns: Items are sold \"as is.\" In other words, I don\'t accept returns. If you aredissatisfied with the photographs or description, please ask any question you may have before the close of the sale. Please do not renege on the contract through a lack of communication. Again, I\'ll be more than happy at any time to indulge your questions about a particular item or aspect of condition. Please consult my response profile and you will see three trends: superlative packing,prompt service/communication, and accurate descriptions.
Thank you for yourbusiness and I look forward to serving you again!
.
