I just couldn't wait!!!

[josh stout]

Wow, now I even like this better. The details are overwhelming. I have never seen stars made like that, but I have seen several jian blades with variations including multiple metals and changes in alloys. Are all the stars exactly alike, or are they divided into groups of four and three? What is the total weight? Where is the balance point?

I am strongly leaning toward a martial arts training weapon/display item.

Temple display items tend to be purely for display with thin blades that allow them to be carried easily for processions. Martial arts schools, on the other hand, would have the combined requirements of weapons to look nice on the wall, and something that would hold together in practice. My only experience with such things is with two jian I have held which were made exactly like jian to be used as weapons, with hard steel edges and typical pattern welding, but with double the weight. Jian like that are extremely rare. One was in the personal collection of Scott Rodell (you can see it in his book on swordsmanship), and the other was passed down within my school of kungfu.

I think you have found the equivalent in a pole arm, making it even more unusual

One characteristic of the jian is that while they are quite heavy, they are still well balanced. Another thing to look for is if the head has a long enough tang and other attachment devices to allow it to be swung safely.

Don't try and swing it with any energy though. I managed to snap the pole on (a regular) one when training with it. Old wood just doesn't have the strength to withstand torque and vibrations with that kind of leverage.

Thanks for the pictures.
Josh