Chinese Maritime Customs sword. The hilt consists of a gilt brass, solid half-basket guard with raised bars. On an oval cartouche is a foul anchor on which is superimposed a dragon (L) which is standing on the flukes. A folding flap on the reverse edge is pierced for a stud fixed to the top of the locket. The pommel is in the form of a dragon's head, the back of the head is striated in a way similar to the beginning of a lion's mane but over half the back-piece is diamond-hatched to represent scales; the remainder is plain. The grip is of white fish-skin bound with three copper wires. Above the guard is fitted a brass washer, presumably to improve the fit of the hilt. The guard is pierced for a swordknot (missing).

The blade is straight, double-edged and of the 'claymore' pattern with two parallel fullers running for much of its length. It is rectangular at the shoulder though with two short grooves reflecting the two fullers. There is a faint etched panel each side. Inscribed on the obverse is a proofmark (at the shoulder), foliage and scrolls, a foul anchor and dragon badge similar to that of the guard, and foliage and scrolls. On the reverse is 'FIRMIN & SONS LIMITED - 153 - STRAND LONDON', foliage, space, foliage and scrolls, the circular design for yin and yang, and foliage and scrolls. There is a black leather scabbard with two gilt lockets, each with a ring, and a gilt chape with a marked, pointed shoe (symmetrically arranged). The mounts are decorated in the usual British way with threads and scrolls.

This sword is difficult to date as it seems to have been assembled from already existing parts. The proof mark (T) is possibly that of Thurkle. The hole in the folding flap is not the original one which suggests that a new scabbard was made for it which did not fit. This one is too short and the end of the chape has been slightly damaged by the point of the blade. The dragon's-head pommel probably indicates that this sword is earlier than WPN1322, which also had a connection with Thurkle.