Rare Antique 19th C. Chinese Qianlong Shuang Gou Sword or Tiger Hook Sword

A very uncommon sword, examples of these are often plain steel however this piece is beautiful decorated with silver work on both sides of the blade displaying the traditional male and female sides with appropriate characters to both. The blade istight and display no shaking and are in excellent condition. This piece dates from the 19th C.

These are known as tiger hook swords orqian kun ri yue dao(literally Heaven and Earth, Sun and Moon sword, these weapons have a blade similar to that of thejian, though possibly thicker or unsharpened, with a prong or hook (similar to ashepherd's crook) near the tip. Guards are substantial, in the style ofbutterfly swords. Often used in pairs, the hooks of the weapons may be used to trap or deflect other weapons.

There are five components to the hook sword: The back, which is used as a regular sword.</li The hook, which is used to trip enemies, catch weapons and for slashing.</li The end of the hilt, which is sharpened.</li The crescent guard, which is used for blocking and slashing.</li The link, which is used when using a pair. The two hooks can loosely connect, and the wielder swings one hook sword, in a way that the second is extended further out, almost six feet. While the second is in the air, the dagger upon the hilt slashes the target. In this way, the wielder can extend their reach out from three feet to six.

Overall length is 44, 8 wide at the widest point.