Qing-dynasty Straight-spine Knife with Copper Cross-guard and Melon-shaped Pommel Picture 1

Weighing 1057g, this Qing-dynasty knife has a spine and a cutting edge that are generally in parallel, with the edge slightly curved towards the tip. No fullers on the blade. Three layers of cross-guard made of copper line next to a melon-shaped pommel, which is quite commonly-seen on Qing-dynasty knives and swords. The selection of melons for ornaments on pommels could be attributed to the following factors, the first one of which is simple: melons are round, as round shapes such as rings or loops had been common ornaments of pommels. Secondly, melon ridges can be added onto the melon-shape pommel, which could increase the abrasion resistance to prevent the saber falling off from the holder’s hand. Last but not least, melons and melon vines have long been auspicious symbols in the Chinese culture, as stated in the Book of Songs that countries are just like everlasting melon vines, continuously growing in size and strength.