A dao (sabre). China, 19th Century. Photo Czerny's - Sarzana 

Slightly curved, single -and false-edged blade, a fuller at the centre and short ones near the back, alternated with copper-plated open-works, one side of the base decorated with brass-plated ideograms; disc-shaped iron quillon relieved at the border; iron ring-nut and pommel of square section, grip bound with fabric straps. Wooden scabbard with fish skin covering and iron mounts. dimensions: length 89 cm. Lot 564. Estimation : 500 / 600 €

Czerny's - Sarzana, Italy. Dimanche 3 juin 2012. Teatro Impavidi. Tel. +39 0187 691376.