Chinese Bronze Excavated Blade

The grip is ringed twice and capped with a flat disc, made for a hand that meant business.

This excavated blade comes from China and dates to 475 – 221 BCE, in bronze. Those centuries are usually called the Warring States period, when Chinese bronze swordsmithing reached a high level of refinement and straight double-edged swords were widely carried. The long blade tapers gradually to a point, with a raised ridge running down its center. A short, angled guard sits at its base, and the round hilt rises through two raised rings to a dished pommel. The surface is dark brown with lighter patches of wear. It is 25.25 inches high, 3.5 wide and 5.75 deep.

Long retired, and still standing perfectly straight.