{"product_id":"original-wwii-era-imperial-japanese-police-kyu-gunto-dress-sword-with-scabbard-by-suya","title":"Original WWII Era Imperial Japanese Police Kyu-Gunto Dress Sword with Scabbard by Suya","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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”.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall length in the scabbard is approximately 33 ¾ ”, with a blade length of 27.5”.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis is a great example to add to a collection of Japanese edged weapons. A Very fine example that would not need to be upgraded!\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOverall length: 32 3\/4”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBlade length: 27 1\/4”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHand guard: 4” width x 5” length\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eScabbard length: 30”\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Japanese \"Police Dress Sword\" is often mistaken for the almost identical Japanese Army \"Parade Sword\" but there are distinct differences.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40209369956421,"sku":"ONSV22KJM4","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV22KJM4__02.jpg?v=1658538385","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-wwii-era-imperial-japanese-police-kyu-gunto-dress-sword-with-scabbard-by-suya","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}