Measuring 7 1/2 inches overall, both items in this lot appear to be a small baton with brass accent rings, a brass tipped round wooden cap, and a dragon-head ornament on one side. Each is, in fact, a spring loaded device, propelling a 4 inch iron-tipped dart, with the dragon head serving as a sliding safety for the firing stud. The rear section contains the spring, and slides back for loading, and when ready to fire the only hint is a small hole in the bottom. Though the exact purpose of the weapon is unknown, the enclosed nature of the projectile would facilitate the use of poison or toxic substances and the overall shape could allow it to pass as an innocuous object. This example uses a steel tube for the outer body.

Very good, with a mixed gray patina on the outer body, minor dents and a well aged color to the brass, and minor chipping of the wood. The mechanism has not been test fired, but the individual components are in proper order.

Configured as A, with brass used as the material for the main body.

Good. The buttcap is cracked, and a mixed patina is present on the brass. Mechanically untested, though the individual components appear in good order.