My Jian for interest

[Gavin Nugent]

A good honest older pair.

There is still much speculation about the true origins of these, not referring to China, that is a given, but the period they were made.

Some feel they are late 19th/early 20th century, made enmass for trade were occupying forces were concerned and those that followed after.

Other senior and long time collectors of Jian, indicate earlier, and that the type were a standard political gift of the 19th century.

What is known is that they are found in dagger size, mid sized and on the very rare occasion full length... the mid sized being the most common and that they are seen as singles or doubles.

Both are plausible explanations and to date I am yet to see anything other than circumstantial evidence for either train of thought.

When I consider the type based on tensile blade strength and quality of detail in the fittings, I feel the older side of hypothesis.
These types all come with a very strong hard blade, not an easy thing to bend over your knee like some of the later Qing examples...
The factory where these were made did cater for large volumes and a rather standardised type... beyond that, to quote the x-files, the truth is out there... but who is going to find it???

Further notes after posting.
A proper forensic analysis of the manufacture materials may reveal more.
As seen under the losses of the veneer, the timbers are painted yellow... this would be a prime thing to have analysed and I have a spare scabbard here with losses if anyone does want to venture down this road.