Chinese Sword from the Warlord Wars Era

The Warlord Era in China (1916 – 1926) was characterized by constant civil war on territorial control between different factions, militia forces and private armies. The  need to equip the various armies resulted in a hurry production of variety of  swords,  sometimes crudely and cheaply made.

Although not an important one, the sword offered here is a good and typical example to of blades made in this period. A massive well forged single edged blade. Wood grip bound with leather and mounted with steel pommel band and steel collar. Big elliptical thick brass cross guard. Wood scabbard.

Blade 24 inches (61cm). Total length 31 1/2 inches (80cm). Good condition. Minor blackened areas on the blade. The leather cover of the grip is repaired. This sword, although simple, well represent the rush to produce arms in this chaotic period in the history of China.