Imperial Japanese Army General Dress Sword . SJ337

Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) General Dress Sword (Shin-gunto) in Kyu Gunto mounts. This one has a black horn type peg in handle, I have not been able to take out the peg (I do not want to damage) so I do not know if the tang is signed (mot likely not signed, this appears to be most likely a machine-made blade). The blade habaki (blade collar) is single piece gilt habaki (appears to be copper base) with “rain of arrows” design. Blade in nice overall condition with waving temper line (appears to be most likely artificial temper) with some and wear. The military-style hilt (tsuka) is the General’s type which is constructed of a wood base covered in tortoise shell with elaborate design down the back of the back strap and has a D-Guard. Push button release still there and functions decently. Grip wire is there, however, one section halfway down is broken, however, probably could easily be repaired, however, left as is since it still displays fine. The scabbard is very nicely designed with good condition shagreen and nicely designed gilt fittings. The blade is approximately 27 1/2 inches in length, approximately 33 1/2 inches overall length. Most likely early 1900s era sword (pre-ww2). Overall, a great looking Japanese General’s dress sword.

Additional Notes: The Japanese Kyu gunto, also known as Russo-Japanese swords, were used by Japanese Army and Naval officers in WW2, the earlier Russo-Japanese war, and Imperial Japan’s colonial conflicts. These swords were a hybrid of katana and western saber and were mounted from 1883 until 1945.

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