Description:

CHINESE SWORD OF THE 'PERIOD OF THE WARRING STATES'
A most uncommon Chinese sword relic; most probably produced in the Qin state and attributed to the time of the 'Warring States Period' (403 BC – 222 BC) and into the Qin dynasty (255 BC- 206 BC), as the beginning of iron sword production takes hold. Although the most common swords of the Warring State Period are made of bronze, iron swords start to become more common into the Han dynasty (206 BC - 25 AD). Parallel to these periods, the first iron swords make their debut around the world, and show in similar blade lengths. This suggests that knowledge of this new blade manufacturing technique had been traded over the predecessors of the Silk Route and later over the Maritime Silk Route, both established by the Chinese. With only a few similar swords of this period being known to still exist, this very rare example exhibits a 27 in. blade, and is 31 in. long overall, with the iron blade and tang being very heavily corroded and considered in 'relic' condition. Most interesting, the cross guard is of a non-metal material with a green cast, and like other Chinese swords of this transitional period in sword production, most likely carved from jade, and itself is in near original condition. Presented in a ca. 1950's woven cloth-covered and padded box of Chinese manufacture.

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September 10, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000