February 20, 20197 yr #1 This is a dress dagger that was approved for wear by officers of the Chinese Nationalist Air Force at the time of the Sino-Japanese war of 1937-1945. They were both finely and crudely made, with a great deal of variation apparent among surviving examples, this example is one of better quality. It measures approximately 13.5" with the scabbard and has a 8.5" nickel-plated steel blade. The grip is fabricated from pink celluloid, with fire rows of wire wrap. The head of the eagle has red glass eyes. There is a great variation in these daggers. The variations include length, color of grip and the quality of the casting. The scabbards also vary. This example has the air force eagle on the throat of the scabbard and the feather design on the drag. Some have a plum blossom design on the throat and feathers on the drag and some have the reverse. I have never seen two Chinese daggers that were identical. Most Chinese military daggers were made by individual craftsmen in small street shops located near military bases. The dagger is pictured with various Chinese wings and insignia.
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