Large spearhead | Mandarin Mansion

Large spearhead

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Overall length: 49,4 cm / 19.75 inch
Blade length: 34,2 cm / 13.75 inch
Socket inside diameter 25 mm
Socket inside diameter 34 mm
Thickness at forte: 13 mm
Max blade width: 42 mm
Thickness at widest part: 11 mm
Weight: 724 grams

DESCRIPTION
An exceptionally large and heavy spearhead of the wide and leaf-shaped qiang type. Its head connects with its socket through a large brass fourteen-sided bolster. The long, heavy blade starts with a rectangular cross-section at the base. From there spring with two sets of "stoppers" that prevent the spear from penetrating too deeply as to protect the wielder from a desperate attempt of the victim. After the stoppers it continues into a flattened hexagonal cross-section up until the widest point. There, it takes the typical flattened diamond shape with two sharp edges leading towards the tip. Despite its condition, these edges are still sharp enough to make a formidable weapon in the right hands.

Weighing as much as some swords or sabers, it would have taken considerable strength to wield a spear like this on a long shaft. Spear types mentioned in Qing dynasty regulations are between 3 meters and 4,5 meters long. Spearheads are rather hard to date because they have no unexposed areas from which to date the patina like sword tangs. Also, their design changes over the years are quite subtle with many styles overlapping as well. The best guess I can make is that this example is probably a military spear dating from the late Ming to mid Qing.

With its larger than usual dimensions and good workmanship this impressive antique Chinese spearhead would appeal to the researcher / collector of antique Chinese arms. This spear would make an excellent display with a reconstructed shaft of proper length and dimensions. It would also make a good strength training spear for those that are serious about traditional Chinese spearmanship.

Price € 480,-

Interested? Questions?
Contact peter@mandarinmansion.com