Original Chinese WWII Era Jian Sword with Leather Covered Scabbard – U.S. Veteran Bringback from CBI Theater Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a typical example of the Chinese Jian sword, typically observed on the market as examples used during the “Boxer Rebellion”. This particular example, however, dates from the WWII era, and was brought back as a souvenir by an Army Air Corps Veteran who served in the China-Burma-India (C.B.I.) theater of operations.

Although of similar design no two are exactly alike. This example measures 35 1/2″ in overall length with a massive 29 1/2″ blade bearing a double fuller down each side. The grip is metal with a fabric wrap. The sword, though clearly “country” made, is housed in leather scabbard that is fitted with a shoulder strap allowing the sword to be worn on the back of the soldier carrying it. Originally, the scabbard had two straps on the top of the scabbard that secured to snaps which allowed the sword to “break away” when the user retracted it from the scabbard.

Likely a piece made to arm a regional warlord’s small army, it is well made, yet somewhat crude. Most likely this was obtained from a member of the irregular Chinese forces which occasionally assisted in guarding Airfields on the Chinese mainland. There is no way to be completely certain.

The jian (simplified Chinese: 剑; traditional Chinese: 劍; pinyin: jiàn; Cantonese: Gim) is a double-edged straight sword used during the last 2,500 years in China. The first Chinese sources that mention the jian date to the 7th century BCE during the Spring and Autumn period; one of the earliest specimens being the Sword of Goujian.
Historical one-handed versions have blades varying from 45 to 80 centimeters (18 to 31 inches) in length. The weight of an average sword of 70-centimetre (28-inch) blade-length would be in a range of approximately 700 to 900 grams (1.5 to 2 pounds). There are also larger two-handed versions used for training by many styles of Chinese martial arts.

Professional jian practitioners are referred to as jianke (Chinese: 剑客; pinyin: jiànkè; literally: “sword guests” or “swordsmen”; a term dating from the Han dynasty). In Chinese folklore, it is known as “The Gentleman of Weapons” and is considered one of the four major weapons, along with the Gun (staff), Qiang (spear), and the Dao (sabre).