I just couldn't wait!!!

[Gavin Nugent]

Images;

[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

[Gavin Nugent]

Thanks for your Reply Josh, I have been looking forward to it.

I will answer more of your questions with the next few postings but pertaining to the blade, all stars are exactly the same. I will note here too, that the brass inlay may well be blended with other alloys as when the light reflects on these inlays, they shine in different colours, the look I am trying to describe reminds me of the glimmer one would see when looking at an oil slick and water.

Tonight I will pass on dimensions and characteristics of the Dragon and fittings with him. Given the time I will then post of the haft, Butt spike, balance and ease of applications.

From tip of the Dragons mouth to the very back of the Dragons neck is 14 & 1/2 inches. From the tip of his lip to the tip of his flowing mane, it measures 8 &1/2 inches. The tip of his nose to the bottom of his mane, 6 &1/2 inches. Looking down on top the widest point between the tips of his mane is 5 inches. The entire Dragon's head is a seperate casting to the simulated bamboo neck, the head actually slips tightly over this brass neck fitting.
This fitting on the haft is 2 &1/2 inches in diametre and secured through the tang with two iron pins about 1/4 inch thick.

The detail found on the Dragon is very nice, large scales to his head and small scales his underside. The entire open mouth has been filled with a black putty that is now dry and cracking away in places. It is my beleif that filled to keep moisture out of this area, should it ever be found standing upright in the elements. He sports some lovely large fangs and teeth. it too is my opinion that the eyes may well have protruded from their sockets as I can see what appears to be a broken shaft within one socket or maybe it is an over active mind???

Please find images attached shortly.

Again any questions that arise, please ask as I may have missed some aspects that can be seen by others.

Thanks

Gav