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.

This is a very good example of a WWII Era Japanese Army Officer's Parade Sword with a Polished Wood Grip and Japanese National Police Emblem on the Handle. These are often confused with the Imperial Japanese Police Dress Swords, which are extremely similar.

This is a very fine example in untouched condition. The brass guard has a rich mellow patina, with some of the original gilt finish still retained in areas. The nickel on the scabbard is over 90% intact, with just a bit of oxidation. The brass wire wrap on the handle is appears complete, but loose in some areas, and the polished wood grip appears to be in great condition. The blade is absolutely exceptional, with full nickeled finish, showing just a bit of oxidation near the leather blade buffer.

Maker marked on the left side of the blade by the Suya Sho Ten Company, a major military supplier during the war:

TOKYO (Suya Logo) JAPAN
SUYA

The Suya logo is also seen on the cross guard, and possibly in other areas as well. Overall length in the scabbard is approximately 33 1/2 ”, with a blade length of 28 1/2”.

This is a great example to add to a collection of Japanese edged weapons. A Very fine example that would not need to be upgraded!

Dimensions:
Overall length: 33 1/2”
Blade length: 28 1/2”
Hand guard: 4” width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 30 3/8”

The Japanese Army "Parade Sword" is often mistaken for the almost identical Japanese Army "Police Dress Sword" but there are distinct differences.

The quick way to determine the difference between Army and Police swords of this type is to note the backstrap decoration. Army swords will normally have a ten petal cherry blossom on the back of the pommel and on the "ears" of the backstrap. Nearly identical Police swords will have a Police badge on the back of the pommel and a five petal cherry blossom on the "ears" of the backstrap.