Original Imperial Japanese WWII Era Navy M1889 Naval Prison & Shore Patrol Sword with Scabbard
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Original Item. Only One Available. In the late 1800s special swords were authorized for naval prison and shore patrol personnel. In particular, on March 18, 1889 (Meiji 22), this sword was authorized for naval prison guards. This is a very scarce example of the 1889 Naval Prison & Shore Patrol Sword with its original scabbard. As shown, the sword has an anchor with rope engraved on the back-strap at the pommel and on the scabbard tip. This specific type is described and pictured in the book Swords of Imperial Japan 1868-1945: Cyclopedia Edition by Jim Dawson, pages 266-268. Pictures of these pages are shown as a reference only, and are not included.
The 25¼” blade is normally secured by a nut at the pommel that engages the threaded tang. However, as this example has a handmade blade, the blade is secured by a mekugi, which on this example is a brass screw on the handle. The overall length is 32¼”. The hilt is composed of brass which has a lovely patina, and a wire-wrapped leather grip. The leather has some flaking and wear as shown. The hilt is a bit loose to the grip so there is a bit of wobble.
The blade shows heavy wear and staining but retains its shape well, and there are no real nicks in the edge. There is some scattered oxidation spotting as shown, but no deep rust. This type of oxidation is very common in Naval swords, especially when they have seen the amount of service this one has.
The 27 ¼” steel scabbard has very heavy oxidation across its length with some of the original finish still retained. The scabbard still correctly locks onto the sword with a button on the spacer to release it. Anchor designs vary from sword to sword, but the hilt and scabbard anchors on a given sword always match, which appears to be the case on this example.
An outstanding Naval Prison / Shore Patrol sword, the first we have ever offered. Comes ready for further research and display.
Dimensions:
Overall length: 32¼”
Blade length: 25 1/4”
Scabbard length: 27 1/4”
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