A pair of Chinese 'sai' or parrying swords,

each with with a carved wood hilt and thick quillons, turned outwards, with heavy booses to the ends, and with hexagonal tapering steel shafts

The 'sai' was a form of parrying weapon most often associated with East Asian martial arts, but is also associated with self defence and domestic police forces well into the 19th century. The thick metal bar can be used like a truncheon. The two curved quillons are strong enough to parry a sword cut and can be used to disarm and sometimes even break a sword blade.

For a similar example see in the VAM, accession number 3305(IS), Ex India Museum (Royal Asiatic Society). Egerton 780-782; Chinese; Arms and armour.

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each 58.5cm long

2

Condition Report:

Both handles split. some rusting to the blades and further wear. One blade slightly bent out of shape. Additional images added.