Language: Chinese
Source: An antique brass ceremonial halberd head.

Description

Wàn Chéng (萬成) is the name of a shop that produced a brass ceremonial halberd, and possibly more related items. The exact inscription reads:

萬成造
Wàn Chéng zào

"Made by Wàn Chéng"
 

Shop markings on Chinese arms and armor and related items are extremely rare. The shop name literally means "Ten thousand victories" and judging from the style and workmanship of the piece was probably located in southern China.

The Wàn Chéng made halberd in full.
Anonymous collection.

The piece is further dated with an exact date: 

同治三年甲子

"Tongzhi 3rd Year 1st Heavenly Stem 1st Earthly Stem." 

仲冬吉旦

"The first day in midwinter."

The 1st day of the 11th month of the lunar calendar. An auspicious day.
Corresponds to November 29 of the year 1864.