Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a rare example of the type of dress dagger that was approved for wear by officers of the Chinese National Revolutionary Army (國民革命軍) at the time of the Sino-Japanese war of 1937-1945. Often abbreviated as the NRA, the group was the military arm of the Kuomintang (KMT, or the Chinese Nationalist Party) from 1925 until 1947.
These officer's daggers were both finely and crudely made, with a great deal of variation apparent among surviving examples. This example is one of the finer variety, and measures approximately 16" with the scabbard on. Unsheathed, it is 15 1/4" long with a 10 1/4" nickel-plated steel blade, magnetic, with dull edges. The plating is retained very well, with only a bit missing near the tip and on the edges, and a few spots of oxidation. Overall it is very good and shiny, with just a tiny bit of tip damage.
Gilt brass crossguard that sits tight against the adjoining ferrule, which is held in place with a single brass screw. It has a functional scabbard lock button, which releases the dagger. The handle is fabricated with a ray skin grip, with 6-7 wire wrappings, with decorative brass panels on each side, which come together at the pommel. These show multiple Chinese plum blossoms, a motif which is repeated on the pommel.
The dagger comes with its nickel-plated steel scabbard, which has gilt brass fittings for the throat and drag, each held firmly in place by a single brass screw. Both fittings have Plum Blossom embossed decorations which match the handle.
The scabbard itself is held in a very nice belt hanger, something we have not seen before! It is in good condition, though the hanger straps are made of relatively thin leather, so they are now delicate and dried out, with one having torn through.
Overall a nice condition rare WWII Chinese Army Officer Dagger!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 10 1/4"
Blade Style: Double Edge Spear Point.
Overall length: 15 1/4“
Crossguard: 2 1/8”
Scabbard Length: 11"
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