Qing Dynasty. Uncertain Province Sycee of 50 Taels ND (19th Century), Opitz-pg. 325 (this piece illustrated), Cribb-Unl. (similar to Class VIII.A). 113mm. 1826.9gm. Cast by the De Xiang furnaces. The stamps read: "De Xiang Lu" (De Xiang furnace). We have been unable to determine where the De Xiang silver furnaces were located, though the overall manufacture appears similar to the Class VIII, Shanghai Equibao ingots, which Cribb mentioned occasionally have one straight horizontal row of stamps. A few remnants of possible inking on the face are also intelligible. Undoubtedly a very rare piece, and one sure to pique the interest of Chinese sycee collectors. The reverse displays the remnants of a small inventory sticker from Mr. Opitz's collection. This lot has not yet been assigned a grade, as it will be submitted to Gongbo for certification before the auction. Ex. Irving Goodman Collection (Superior Galleries, June 1991, Lot 2024)

HID09801242017

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