Interesting Chinese Jian sword

RSWORD · 11th December 2004, 04:54 AM

I appreciate all the input. It has been very enlightening.

Nick,

Philip pointed out several unique features about this piece. He mentioned that this is the first example he has run across where the scabbard was of carved wood and so intricately carved at that. Another unique feature was the pommel. Philip mentioned he has only seen one other pommel like this one and it was on a sword in the Met's collection. He also speculated that the blade might be 18th century or earlier. Since the tang was not visible for a more educated guess, he based this on the fact that the tip was very thick at the edges, almost like a chisel, and this could indicate that it was originally intended to pierce armour. The blade is certainly stout enough to hold up to such a task. The edges on this sword are also very, very hard. Your comments on the heavy brass fittings on the scabbard and the pommel/guard are right on the money.

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11th December 2004, 04:54 AM	#13
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,087	I appreciate all the input. It has been very enlightening. Nick, Philip pointed out several unique features about this piece. He mentioned that this is the first example he has run across where the scabbard was of carved wood and so intricately carved at that. Another unique feature was the pommel. Philip mentioned he has only seen one other pommel like this one and it was on a sword in the Met's collection. He also speculated that the blade might be 18th century or earlier. Since the tang was not visible for a more educated guess, he based this on the fact that the tip was very thick at the edges, almost like a chisel, and this could indicate that it was originally intended to pierce armour. The blade is certainly stout enough to hold up to such a task. The edges on this sword are also very, very hard. Your comments on the heavy brass fittings on the scabbard and the pommel/guard are right on the money.