
A single Chinese
‘Hudiedao’ (蝴蝶刀) sword with carved wooden grip and bronze D-shaped guard. These side-arms were originally used within the Qing military, while holding a rattan shield and were mainly manufactured in Southern China. Often described as pirate swords or butterfly swords, but the
‘hudiedao’ seems to be a notable weapon of the Chinese Qing military.
This
‘Hudiedao’ is a single version of the double knife
‘Hudiedao’ and dates from around 1860. Besides the military, a large number of militias were also equipped with the ‘
hudiedao‘ or so called ‘
eight cutting knives‘. The knives were also highly appreciated by martial arts practitioners, who preferred the wide bladed types, due to their capability of handling and practice skills.

The bronze knucklebow seems to have a mixture of alloys to harden it and make it capable to ward off strikes. The handle is made of precious wood and decorated with typical Southern Chinese carved ‘rolling thunder’ cartouches within scenes of a magpie and deer, which are considered auspicious symbols, surrounded in floral motifs and flower petals. The ferrule’s are made of brass and show a facetted pattern.

Condition: Very good condition, traces of ware with old patination. Comes without scabbard.