1) Unidentified decorative/ceremonial polearm measuring 70 1/2 inches overall, this weapon is fitted with a 45 1/4 inch darkened hardwood staff topped with golden fringe and a 25 1/4 inch brass head. The bottom section of the head, 7 1/4 inches long, is octagonal, with a pair of dragon heads holding rings suitable for tassel mounting and a contoured and flared grip section, and the top, 18 inches long and 12 inches across at the widest point, is a stylized depiction of an Eastern-style dragon breathing a large plume of fire. The origin and purpose of the weapon are unknown, though it may be of Chinese manufacture, possibly as a display, parade or training weapon. 2 & 3) Both polearms are equipped with black hardwood shafts fitted with a pair of brass reinforcing bands, and a brass blade collar shaped like a three-dimensional horned dragon head. 2) Spear, 99 3/4 inches overall, with a 32 inch blade consisting of a double edged spear point front section, a tapered neck with punched-through brass ornamentation, and a long double edged section with a pair of hooks at the end. 3) Naginata-type spear, 100 inches long, with a 33 inch curved blade, with 7 brass button accents on each side, connected with straight lines of bronze. Provenance: The William Ashby Collection

1) Very good, with mild wear on the hardwood and a few loose segments of the brass head. 2 & 3) Both are fine, with some repairs to the shafts near the heads, scattered handling marks, and a mixed gray and brown patina on the blades 3) a horn is missing from the dragon.