Ooh, Ooh! These are fun....
I would go for a sabre, something along the lines of an 1860 model Spanish cavalry sword. Only I'd lose some inches off the blade and make it a tad wider, to bring it more in line with the the foot style I study.
The sabre is actualy a damn fine sword when dealing with an unarmoured or lightly armoured opponent. They are fast, can both cut and thrust well, and have an excelent defensive profile. Especialy those with a "bell guard", like my choice.
Besides, its the weapon I study.
As far as learning time goes, the sabre and its associated arts are probobly among the quicker. They were developed for the soldier during an era when these matters were scientificaly studied. The techniques are natural and effective, the principes are intuitive and easy to pick up on.
Of course, military and defensive styles are much more suitable than strictly dueling styles, especialy of the late 19th century.
I'm suprised it would take around three years to learn the Jian. Actualy, I'm suprised it would take that long to learn any weapon. Mastery is something that is done over a lifetime, but in my experience you can achieve a high degree of skill in most anything in six months, and proficiency much sooner.
Of course, it depends on what, how, and how often you train.
If facing an armoured opponent, its the medieval European longsword every time. When you absolutely must cleave a man in two in the minimum time possible, accept no substitutes.
A truly beautiful and elegant weapon, it will always have a special place in my heart.
Graceful, fast, powerful and adaptable, its a weapon in its own class. Probably the most well-rounded sword ever produced by any culture. Offence, defence, cut, thrust, pummel, bind, pary, this one can do it all.
The only reason I don't study it more actively is because I've got a thing about focusing on Spanish styles, and haven't come across a Spanish longsword manual yet. That, and the weird attiudes of most Medievalists I've met.
Of course, the classic short sword and buckler combination beloved of the Spanish and English alike would provide an excelent alternative.
