Overall length: 48 cm / 18.9 inch
Blade length: 33 cm / 13 inch
Socket inside diameter 30 mm
Socket inside diameter 35.5 mm
Thickness at forte: 13 mm
Max blade width: 41 mm
Thickness at widest part: 8.5 mm
Weight: 704 grams
DESCRIPTION
A massive spearhead of the wide and leaf-shaped qiang type. Its head connects with its socket through a large brass fourteen-sided bolster. The blade is of diamond cross-section with a clear central ridge. Socket with a neatly finished seem on one side and a hole to accommodate a nail to secure it to the shaft.
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. Design changes over time were only quite subtle, with several styles being in use at any period. The best guess I can make is that this example is probably a military spearhead dating from the 18th or 19th century.
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 € 330,-
Interested? Questions?
Contact peter@mandarinmansion.com