This rare sword by E & F Horster of Solingen, in a contract numbering approximately 850 pieces, was made for the Chinese government at the end of the 19th century and is based on the 1889 pattern Prussian cavalry sword, with the variant of the Chinese imperial dragon on the guard.
It would have been captured during the Boxer Rebellion of 1904 by the East Asia expeditionary force of the German army and subsequently used by their cavalry in China at Tsing-Tau until the fort was captured by a combined force of British and Japanese troops in 1914 (ie captured twice). The reason why these swords usually appear in England is, I think, that they were primarily looted by British troops in this campaign, viz the South Wales Borderers amongst others.
The condition is a little worn; there is some minor pitting to the interior of the guard and some scattered deeper pitting to the outside. The grip is of composition material, a form of hardened rubber. The sword has a polished steel hilt and scabbard, which has been carefully cleaned by hand. The two grub screws at the throat of the scabbard are missing.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Edged Weapons : Swords : Chinese : 19th Century]
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