39" long sheathed. Blade (point to guard) 28 1/2". 8 3/16" hilt. Pommel 2 3/8" wide by 1 3/4" long. Handle has what appears to be a dragon stamped on each side. They are framed by notched carvings that appear to be done by hand as they are not uniform in any way. Blade is straight, 1 13/16" at the base narrowing to 3/16" before the 'triangle' at the blade's point, extending another 5/8" to the tip. On one side are 3 east asian characters near the guard (unsure what the the script is or says) and on the opposite side are what look almost like thumbnail imprints, apparently randomly imprinted. The blade is dull as though it were made that way, instead of dulled through use or general wear. The scabbard is 31 5/16" long, 1 3/4" wide at the locket and 1 1/8" wide at the chape. There are 3 sections of intricate designs, one at the chape, one at the locket, and one in the middle. Each side of the scabbard is identical to the other. At the locket, there are 2 protruding parts that look sort of like elephants with rings attached for mounting (I assume). There appear to be a pair of stones (turquois possibly) at the locket. The center has a large polished red-orange stone/crystal that is 7/8" in diameter (spherical). The chape has a smaller, egg-shaped pale orange polished stone/crystal. In between each section of designs, the sections have stamped designs of clouds (4 each, all looking slightly different). I'm unsure of the metal composition, but when I purchased it at auction I was told that it was a ceremonial sword made of melted down coin silver. The metal does appear tarnished, but I don't know enough about metal or metalwork to say what exactly it is composed of. It's entirely possible this sword is worth nothing more than the value of the equivalent weight of scrap metal. It could very well be something made to sell to gullible tourists. I'd just like to know.
Unknown
Dear Adam,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The presented object appears to be a Chinese produced "Jian" sword with a scabbard and a total length of 39". The hilt and the scabbard could be made out of silver with coral inlay decor but this needs to be tested physically. The handguard and the scabbard show Tibetan influences and this sword could be made in the 19th century or early 20th century.
This piece is in good condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation if the material is tested as silver would be between 800 to 1.600 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
Georg