No inscriptions. 140mm, 12.12 grams. Hartill #4.15.

No repairs, and in excellent condition with original patina, but with a crudely mis-cast ring.

These are poorly understood early knives – it’s been suggested these were cast for trade with Xiongnu, since they are found in the border regions between China and the ancient Xiongnu barbarians. These are thought to originate from the state of Yan and date to the Spring and Autumn period, 770-446 BC.

From an old US collection (Norman Frank Collection); Ex-CNG.