Original Item: Only One Available. This is something that we have not had before! We have had the Second and Third type swords, but this is the first time we have had the First type. During Japanese history, edged weapons had always been a symbol of authority and power, so when power was returned to the Emperor during the Meiji restoration of 1868, many new designs of swords were needed for the various new organizations that came into being as Japan "modernized". The police in particular had a real need to be armed, and various swords were designed for the various ranks in the organization. As had been seen previously in history, members of higher rank would have more ornate and elaborate swords, less suitable for actual use, and more for display.

This is a very good example of a WWII Era Japanese Patrolman & Sergeant's sword from the Imperial Police department. There were several different versions of these known, and this is known as the First Type, which does not have a handguard or side tabs with circle emblems on them, but does have the "Five-ray" police insignia on the rear of the hilt near the pommel. This specific type is described and pictured in the book Swords of Imperial Japan 1868-1945: Cyclopedia Edition by Jim Dawson, pages 303-305. Pictures of these pages are shown as a reference only, and are not included. As would expect for the sword of a "rank and file" member of the police, it is designed for actual use, with minimal ornamentation, with much more thought given to functionality.

This is a very fine example in lovely well preserved condition. The brass guard has a rich patina, showing that has not been heavily polished over the years. The police insignia on the rear of the hilt is still well retained and easily visible, though it is a bit worn, as it was stamped directly into the brass. The grip on 1st type swords varied, with some being made from leather, while others such as this example made from the same Sa-Me rayskin shagreen used on katanas, which is very well retained, with twisted brass wire binding. Looking at period pictures, the "bent back" cross guard is correct, and seems to vary from sword to sword. There is a scabbard lock present on the grip ferrule, and is fully functional.

The blade is in very good condition, showing a bright steel finish with some areas of light oxidation. The edge is still relatively sharp, with some scuffing in areas, and there are two significant dents close to the tip of the blade. There is also a bit of past oxidation near the tip of the blade, now cleaned away. We have made no attempts to clean or sharpening it to avoid disturbing the lovely patina.

The steel scabbard is in very nice condition, with a lovely lightly oxidized patina. These are usually nickel or chrome plated, however there is no evidence of either. The scabbard is mostly straight, with a shallow dent and a slight bend about 6 inches above the drag, which do not interfere with sheathing the blade. The hanger ring is still present in its bolster, and the wooden inserts inside the scabbard are still present, and help protect the blade.

A lovely example of a very hard to find Imperial Japanese police sword, ready to add to any collection of Japanese WW2 edged weapons!

Dimensions:
Overall length: 28 1/4”
Blade length: 21 3/8”
Cross guard: 3 5/8”
Scabbard length: 23 5/8”