old Chinese Bar Tie Jian Mace of iron

 An early Chinese mace of bar form, known as a Tie Jian.  Of sword form, but instead of a long straight blade, this weapon is mounted with a long steel bar of concave four sided form, tapering to the tip where it has a circular turned decorated finial. The concave sides give each corner a sharp edge, making it a very effective heavy striking weapon. The grip is simple, with a four lobed petal shaped steel guard, the grip is a block of swollen wood. The pommel ending is with a squared finial, chamfered in typical Chinese style. In aged but good condition, probably 18th /early 19th century, maybe older.