Original Item: Only One Available. A very fine example of the type of 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 the finer variety.

This is a genuine rare Chinese Nationalist Air Force Officer's Dagger circa 1935. It measures approximately 14.5" with the scabbard on, this dagger features a 9" nickel-plated steel blade, magnetic, with dull edges, remaining bright and crisp, and having a sharp tip. The blade exhibits little wear overall just scuffing from extraction and return to the scabbard, along with scattered wear spots in the plating, maintaining a natural shine, the blade rating is very fine.

Brown leather washer at the blade's base perfectly intact. Gilt brass crossguard illustrates a spread-winged eagle "bird of prey" on both sides and sits tight against the adjoining ferrule, the ferrule held in place with a single brass screw.

Handle is fabricated from age-toned white celluloid, with fire rows of wire wrap. Gilt brass molding of an eagle forms the back spine and pommel of the hilt, the head of the eagle with red eyes, which have oxidation around them. This means the eyes are made of early period plastic such as cellulose nitrate, which "outgases" as it ages, causing corrosion.  The dagger measuring 13.5" in length.

Accompanied by its nickel-plated steel scabbard, magnetic, gilt brass fittings form the chape and locket, each held firmly in place by a single brass screw. The chape illustrates feathered wings, while the locket illustrates a Chinese plum flower floral motif. Scabbard measures 10" in length. Overall near very fin condition.