Advice apreciated (ancient saber)

[Fei Li]

Dear Forum members,

I found this saber for sale:
http://img192.imageshack.us/i/p1030726.jpg/ whole saber
http://img534.imageshack.us/i/p1030729.jpg/ details of the grip
http://img37.imageshack.us/i/p1030728u.jpg/
http://img17.imageshack.us/i/p1030727g.jpg/

Supposedly Qing Dynasty, total length 900 mm
Broadness of the blade behind the guard 40 mm
Blade thickness behind the guard 7 mm
Length of blade 750 mm
Balance point after the 245 mm

Any thoughts on authenticity?
Comments?

I appreciate your advice.

[Fei Li]

I forgot, the price would be 250€ (344 $)

[bond_fan]

IMO probably $150.00 USD too high. Probably late Qing to Republic era. I'd save your money and get something more rare.

[Peter Dekker]

Hi,

This is a military liuyedao of the end of the Qing. They are rather common indeed, they turn up on ebay frequently. Most of these were taken out of Beijing during the summer of 1900 at the time of the boxer uprising. Although they generally come complete and in good condition, their workmanship is bad compared to earlier sabers. They also tend to be very hefty and forward balanced, not at all as refined as earlier sabers.

The price you state sounds reasonable though. They often sell for more than that. But I agree with Tim that it is probably better to save up for something more rare / of higher quality.

-Peter

[Fei Li]

Thank you all for your answers!