ANTIQUE CHINESE DAO SWORDS, LOT OF TWO, comprising a niuweidao or similar example with clipped blade, through-tang terminating in open loop pommel, flat ovular guard with downturned quillion forming a short knucklebow and matching upturned quillion to back of guard, double-groove fuller along back edge of blade, wooden grip, and an example with nearly straight blade, likely through-tang terminating in a near-triangular pommel, flat guard with upturned quillions, wooden grip wrapped in cloth and cord. No visible marks. Probably late 19th/first half 20th century. Oxtail example 23 1/8" L blade, 30 3/4" LOA, the other 21 3/4" L blade, 28 1/2" LOA.
Good as found condition, expected wear, expected surface corrosion and related pitting, heavier to the second example, the first example with an area of significant denting to blade edge, and another smaller dent and associated split.
Provenance: From a Shenandoah Valley of Virginia private collection.

Good as found condition, expected wear, expected surface corrosion and related pitting, heavier to the second example, the first example with an area of significant denting to blade edge, and another smaller dent and associated split.