WW2 Japanese Army Officer Parade Sword (No Scabbard) . SJ334

WW2 Japanese Army Officer Parade Sword. No Scabbard. Company grade sword (backstrap design only at top quarter area of backstrap). The plain black horn grip in worn condition and does not have any wire wrap. The pierced gilded brass D-guard and pommel with nice patina. Ten petal cherry blossom decorations (for the Army) on each side of backstrap “ears” and on top area of back strap. The machine-made plated steel blade in decent condition with some wear. Blade length approximately 31 inches, about 36 inches overall length. Worn condition.

Additional Notes: The Japanese Army Officer Parade Sword is often mistaken for the almost identical Police Sword but there are distinct differences. The Army sword was first adopted in 1875 as the Type 8 Kyu-Gunto (First Military Sword). It was later modified in 1886 as the Type 19 Kyu-Gunto. Regulations state that the grips of these swords for officers below the rank of General shall be black horn, although other materials may be seen. General Officer swords were to have grips made of turtle shell. Type 8 sword scabbards have two suspension rings while Type 19 swords have one ring that is removable or only one suspension ring after circa 1932. 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 backstrap. Nearly identical Police swords will have a Police badge on the back of the pommel and a five-petal cherry blossom on the backstrap. The same applies to ten-petal and five-petal cherry blossoms found in the guard design.

See Additional Information for shipping dimensions.