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发表于 2024-2-25 09:38:16
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CHINA (Qing) | YUNNAN “地方匯款錠” 4.70 Tael Saddle “Paifang” Sycee | Assayer Chop (x2) - SHE (官公估佘看) | Nice EF - Darkly Toned and Patinated, Sharp L&R Stamps, Well Cast! - 173.0 Grams
Hello! Yet another Yunnan “paifang” or saddle sycee that was acquired by me today and was used during the Qing Dynasty and perhaps the early Republic period, perhaps for bank remittances and even the opium trade. This is a double assaying stamp type with the CHOPS or STAMPS being the SAME. That is, this ingot has been inspected by 官公估佘看 or by PUBLIC INSPECTOR SHE (佘). Note, this piece does not have INSPECTOR TONG or anyone else chopping, which is interesting as these were often assayer chopped with TWO different ASSAYER names, such as my first specimen posted.
Now, the BANK name is from the Fuxingqing Bank (福興慶記) and is of the remittance fine silver type or 匯號紋銀. This bank seems rather prolific and there are other specimens that I was able to find that have an additional stamp on the ridge of the packsaddle sycee; yet, this piece does not and seems to be a more uncommon type. The bank itself seems a bit common and more research will be done on the different variations of the ASSAYER chops that are found on these pieces.
I would grade this a nice XF piece with excellent details and an overall toned nature that is even present on the underside of the sycee. This is a moderately handled type with bold stamps, especially the left and right stamps. The center has an equally bold stamp and non-weak, and there is the usual depression from production in the center. There is also a nice darkish patina to the piece, that really accentuates ALL the stamps, and there are some natural, minor earthen deposits in the crevasses adding to its originality. The underside has the distinctive casting holes that lend to its period nature and authenticity. This piece is also free from any major defects like cleaning or corrosion, as well as test cuts or clippings or gouging on, say, the underside of this wholesome sycee.
References: BMC-Class LXVI Group I.
Provenance: From an old Colonial Era, Hong Kong Collection.
Acquired: 1/13/2024 |
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