On September 25, 1937, the 115th Division of the Eighth Route Army won the Battle of Pingxingguan in which they successfully ambushed a part of the 21st Brigade of the Japanese troops as well as the logistics troops in Pingxingguan, Lingqiu county of Shanxi province, annihilating more than 1,000 soldiers, destroying over 100 vehicles and 200-plus carriages, and seizing over 1,000 rifles, 20 machine guns, a cannon and a large amount of military equipment and supplies. It was the first triumphant battle since China began the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. The success significantly boosted the national morale, strengthened their confidence in winning the war, enhanced the reputation of the CPC and the Eighth Route Army, dampened the arrogance of Japanese troops, and broke their legend of invincibility. The Japanese troops Sanpachi-shiki hohei-ju, Japan-made 14th year pistol, type 92 infantry gun and saber were seized during the Battle of Pingxingguan.

They were transferred from Wuhan Military Command to the Military Museum in 1959. The sabers were donated by Li Kenong, former deputy chief of staff of the PLA.