Knife from the gold fields with what appears to be Chinese symbols

[Pete4AU]

[attachment 294237 knife1.jpg][attachment 294238 knife2.jpg]
As can be seen, about half of the blade has been worn down. No doubt this was from crevicing for gold and I'll bet the gold color on the blade under the bottom symbol is in fact caused by gold dust being rubbed against the blade and handle when it was continually being opened and closed when in use.
I would like to know what the symbols mean or say. Anyone know? Notice the handle of the knife is in the shape of a large knife or small sword. Found it about three years ago.
Chispa, any ideas?

Thanks

Pete4AU

 

[chispa]

Very cool find!
Not much I can add at this point, certainly looks Chinese. Did you find any other indicators of the Chinese, like cache coins, flattened brass opium tins, broken ceramic bowls etc.Additionally were there any carefully stacked rock placer tailings in the vicinity?
If possible post another close-up of the knife blade, can't quite make out the characters.
Thanks for sharing this cool discovery.

 

[Pete4AU]

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