Original Item: Only One Available. The first standard sword of the Japanese military was known as the kyu-gunto (旧軍刀, old military sword). Murata Tsuneyoshi (1838-1921), a Japanese general who previously made guns, started making what was probably the first mass-produced substitute for traditionally made samurai swords. These swords are referred to as "Murata-to" and they were used in both the Sino-Japanese war (1894-1895) and the Russo-Japanese war (1904-1905).

The kyu gunto was used from 1875 until 1934, it closely resembled European and American swords of the time, with a wraparound hand guard (also known as a D-Guard) and chrome plated scabbard (saya), the steel scabbard is said to have been introduced around 1900.

Prior to 1945, many kyū guntō were distributed to commissioned officers to fill a demand for swords to Japan's expanding military officer classes. To distinguish individuality, wealth or craftsmanship, many swords were produced in batches as small as 1–25 to maintain the legacy of sword culture. Styles varied greatly, with inspirations drawn from swords of early periods, familial crests, and experimental artistic forms that the Meiji Restoration period had begun to introduce. Some examples have included European style silverworking, jade, cloisonné, or metalwork and paint for artistic relief.

Kyu-gunto swords, also called Russo-Japanese swords, were used by Army, Cavalry and Naval officers during the Russo-Japanese War and WWII. This style of mounting was used from 1883 until 1945. Like shin-gunto, a great variety of quality in both blades, traditional and machine made, and mounts is seen in kyu-gunto swords. Many variations are found in the scabbards of kyu-gunto swords including chromed metal, lacquered wood or leather covered wood with brass fixtures. Any style scabbard may have a leather field cover. Those swords with elongated hilts and mekugi (peg for holding blade into hilt) are more likely to have hand forged blades, while the swords lacking mekugi generally are machine made and may have chromed blades. The backstraps of naval kyu-gunto swords have no side pieces while army kyu-gunto and colonial swords have side pieces with various emblems on the backstrap.

This is a nice example of a Pre-WWII era Army Company Officer Kyu-Gunto, complete with the original steel scabbard. This sword was most likely produced during the WWI or Interwar era, before the fittings were switched to aluminum, and construction simplified. It was made for an arsenal forged Katana style blade, which requires the older 1886 pattern fittings, which were designed around traditionally made blades. This differs from later versions with the much smaller bent handle. These were real swords, sturdily built for actual use. We very rarely see Kyu-gunto swords from the WWII era with forged blades, making this a real treat. We pulled the handle on this example, and the blade tang is stamped 貞一 大正 - Sada Ichi Taisho, or something similar. This would most likely indicate that it was made during the reign of the Taisho Emperor, which lasted 30 July 1912 – 25 December 1926, so it comes from the WWI - Pre WWII era.

Offered in very good service used condition, the blade is still relatively sharp and looks great, looking to have been polished and cleaned relatively recently. The edge of the blade is dent and nick free, and the body shows just a bit of light oxidation and past staining. The grinding marks can still be seen on a lot of the blade, and it has a factory ground edge bevel. Blade length is approximately 24 ½  inches and overall length 31 ½ inches.

The katana has an arsenal forged blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with an kuri-jiri (symmetricaly rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). It has the typical shinogi-zukuri shape used on katanas, along with a bo'hi fuller. It is not nickel plated, and is very similar to the blade used on P-1944 Shin-Gunto and Type 95 NCO swords, though a bit smaller in size.

The hilt is an ornate multi-piece brass example, with excellent embossed designs and pebbling on the back strap and collar. The metal originally fully gilt, and it still retains this very well, with only minor wear in areas. It has multiple Cherry Blossom emblems jutting out from the back strap, usually indicating Imperial Japanese Army use. They all have only 5 petals though, so it could be police use, but it lacks the standard police emblem. It has a very elongated European style guard, to allow for the longer grip on the 1886 pattern hilt.

The grip is fully wrapped in lovely polished leather, which is in very good condition, and still retains the original brass wire binding. The guard does not fold down, as some do, and has a functional scabbard lock. There is very little play in the fittings, making this a great example. There is an two part brass mekugi (peg) that screws together, which is definitely original.

The scabbard (saya) is bright steel with a wood interior, and in very good service used condition, with no major dents or other damage from service. It does however have overall light oxidation staining from service on the exterior. It is a very simple design scabbard, patterned after European swords of the 19th century, and has a single hanger ring near the top. Definitely a very nice example with a lovely patina.

Overall this is a really nice example of this type of sword, and was definitely an upmarket version, probably owned by a member of a distinguished and wealthy family. This would make a worthy addition to any Japanese military collection, and it definitely has some nice potential for further research. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 24 ½"
Blade Style: Katana Style with Fuller
Overall length: 31 ½“
Guard: 4”W x 7”L
Scabbard Length: 26 3/4"