A GROUP OF ARCHAIC BRONZE WEAPONS SHANG DYNASTY AND EASTERN ZHOU PERIOD

comprising three Shang dynasty halberds (ge); one inscribed with the character long between two hands reading gong, to offer, and on the other the character zi or child, accompanied by a graph of two hands holding a stick,  one with crisply cast geometric design on a triangular field and on the tang, one side inscribed with an eye and the other with the character Fu,  the third ge has a substantial blade and a bird-shaped tang;  an Eastern Zhou spearhead with a long narrow blade bevelled along the outer edges and with a partly obscured inscription on the socket; an Eastern Zhou sword with an integrally cast hilt that is missing its disc at the end, with a four character inscription  that may be later (5)

Acquired in the 1970s and 80s and thence by descent.

Jessica Rawson, The Bella and P.P. Chiu Collection of Ancient Chinese Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1988, nos. 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49.

The first, in good condition; the second, the two protruding hatch on either side reattached; the third, in good condition; the fourth, with damage along the blade particularly along the tip; the fifth, with missing hilt at the end.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.