Description
This is an original pair of 19th-century Chinese Hudiedao butterfly swords, housed in their rare shared leather scabbard—a complete and historically authentic martial set from the late Qing Dynasty period. These swords were favored by southern Chinese militias, constables, and martial artists for close-quarters defense and battlefield agility.
Each sword features a broad, single-edged blade with a sharpened tip and mild curve, perfect for cutting, thrusting, and trapping techniques. The blades exhibit rich age patina and handling wear but remain structurally sound and free of cracks or severe pitting. The D-shaped steel knuckle guards, a defining characteristic of Hudiedao, are rugged and utilitarian, clearly made for real combat rather than ceremony.
The wooden grips are secured with traditional iron rivets and show honest age wear. What truly sets this set apart is the original shared leather scabbard, which securely houses both swords in parallel. These dual holsters—often stitched from thick hide—were practical carry solutions for martial artists and street patrols during a volatile period in Chinese history. This example remains supple and intact, with field wear consistent with age but no major losses.
Butterfly swords of this type were commonly seen in the hands of Cantonese militia and members of secret societies throughout southern China. Their compact size and paired design made them ideal for fast-moving urban or battlefield skirmishes.
A rarely seen complete Hudiedao set, ideal for collectors of Qing dynasty weaponry, Chinese martial traditions, or global edged weapons.
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