Item Description
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 an exceptional example of a WWII Era Japanese Police Officer’s (aka Lieutenant’s) Sword with Polished Sharkskin Grip and Japanese National Police Emblem on the Handle. These are often confused with the Imperial Japanese Army Type 19 Dress Swords, which are much more common.
This is a very fine example in untouched condition. The brass guard has a rich mellow patina, the nickel on the scabbard is mostly 80% intact. 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. Maker marked on the left side of the blade: “Tokyo/Japan/Suya”.
Overall length in the scabbard is approximately 33 ¾ ”, with a blade length of 27.5”.
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: 32 3/4”
Blade length: 27 1/4”
Hand guard: 4” width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 30”
The Japanese "Police Dress Sword" is often mistaken for the almost identical Japanese Army "Parade 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. The same applies to ten- and five-petal cherry blossoms found in the guard design.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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