Very fine Chinese or Thai Halberd with dragon mount and gilding to blade

A magnificent Polearm made for use, good heavy weight and balance. Surviving in excellent condition The steel halberd type blade still thick and very sharp, sharpened to the back edge, and thickened there decorated with gold. A silk tassel to the rear. the black mount a bronze beast with jaws and claws. beneath the blade is a long collar section with lacquered black cord and iron bands. The shaft is a solid magnificent rich glossy brown section of wood subtely shaped to form a ridge along the front edge, presumably as an aid to use. The butt with a steel shaped finial. This is a high quality piece presumably for military use. 18th/19th century. Comes with provenance

southern asia