An 'Imperial guard' Ceremonial Sword - China, 19th century

the ivory hilt carved with quatrefoil cartouches encircled by prunus and bamboo sprays flanked by ribboned double-gourd and scrolls, framed by geometric and petal panel borders, between the white metal shaped finial decorated with leaves issuing from branches framing the finial and the sword guard chased with floral sprays, the long bevelled blade incised with a dragon pursuing the flaming pearl, the reverse with an inscription, partly reading chi ('by Imperial order') and shou ('longevity'), the ray skin scabbard with white metal mounts decorated with dragons  97.4 cm. long(2) - Estimate: £3,000 - 5,000

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Bonhams. The Jacques Desenfans Collection, 10 Apr 2008. New Bond Street