Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original Imperial Japanese Type 32 “Ko” cavalry saber, first adopted in the late 19th century and used through the Russo-Japanese War, WWI, and into WWII. This example is especially desirable for its early serial number 40596, matching-numbered steel scabbard, and surviving sword knot.

The Type 25, introduced in 1892, had brass hilts and plain wood grips. The Type 32, introduced in 1899, on the other hand has a checkered steel hilt with checkered wood grips. They were issued with a leather finger loop on the inside of the guard. The machine made blades are "katana" shaped, and have a full length wide fuller and flat spine, and are contained in steel scabbards with a single ring. The swords saw service during the Russo-Japanese War, World War One and on into World War Two.

Two patterns of the Type 32 were produced. The first pattern, known as ‘Ko,’ was issued to cavalry NCOs and had a blade length of around 32 1/2 inches. The second pattern, known as ‘Otsu,’ was issued to army NCOs and was shorter, with a blade length of around 30 inches. This example is a ‘Ko’ pattern Type 32 cavalry saber, and is an early production example, with a lower serial number, and has the attachment hole for the leather finger ring. However, the rivet that would attach it has been ground flush on both sides and replaced with a hole, most likely after the ring pulled off.

The blade is in good condition but is heavily sharpened along the edge with a few areas of nicks and denting. The ricasso is stamped with serial number 40596. The blade was designed for cutting and thrusting and was superbly good at both. This blade definitely looks to have seen service, and was sharpened at least once, with some edge nicking on top of that. It is still quite sharp, so care is needed during handling.

The steel D guard has a checked steel back strap and dove head pommel, all of which now show a worn steel patina from years of service and cleaning. The checked wooden grip is in similar condition, with a dark stained color. The locking catch is present and strong. The guard has the "stacked cannonball" logo used by Tokyo and Kokura arsenals, along with some other characters we cannot make out. There is unfortunately no way to know when the sword was made, as they were produced continuously for close to 40 years. There is also a very nice braided sword knot attached to the scabbard ring, which looks to be original.

The sword is complete with its steel scabbard, with a single hanger-ring, and functional locking catch. The drag of the scabbard bears matching serial number 40596, making this a VERY rare matched set. The scabbard is in good condition, without much in the way of dents and still retains its lovely finish and sword knot.

The combination of the Ko cavalry configuration, low serial number 40596, matching numbered scabbard, functional locking catch, early finger-loop attachment modification, arsenal markings, sharpened service-worn blade, and surviving sword knot makes this an especially strong example of a Type 32 cavalry saber. Its extensive wear reflects genuine long-term military use, while the matching serial numbers preserve the integrity of the original sword and scabbard pairing.

Specifications:
Blade length: 33”
Blade style: Single Edged with Fuller
Overall length: 38 1/4”
Guard Dimensions: 4 1/2"W x 5"L
Scabbard length: 34"