A CHINESE DECORATED SWORD (DAO), QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY with curved single-edged blade, brass hilt comprising circular guard with moulded brim, ferrule and pommel, all cast with scrollwork inhabited by dragons, wooden grip bound with cord, in its fishskin-covered wooden scabbard, with brass mounts en suite with the hilt, comprising characteristic shaped chape, locket, a pair of bands, and the latter two joined by a brass panel 61 cm; 24 in blade