Original Japanese Pre-WWII Army Company Grade Cavalry Officer's Type 19 Kyu-Gunto Sword with Nickel Plated Scabbard

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). There were many different patterns that came into being during the many decades they were being produced.

This is a nice example of a Pre-WWII era Type 19 Army Company Grade Cavalry Officer Kyu-Gunto, complete with the original nickel plated steel scabbard. This sword was most likely produced during the WWI or Interwar era, before the fittings were switched to aluminum, and construction simplified. This particular type of sword was designed for the exclusive use of Cavalry Officers, and was based off of the Type 8 Officer's Riding sword, which could be used by any officer whose duties required being mounted. The Type 19 was intended for Cavalry alone, and the guard was redesigned to make it more appropriate for that role. As with the Type 8, company grade officers used a version with much less back strap decoration than field grade officers. For more information please see the book Swords of Imperial Japan 1868-1945: Cyclopedia Edition by Jim Dawson, pages 101-105, where this specific type is described and pictured.

The Type 19 Cavalry Officer's swords were intended for actual use, and this example features a European style fullered blade with a gentle curve, similar to cavalry swords used in Europe. It has a mostly straight handle, not the bent handle seen with dress swords, confirming that this is definitely a sword for field use. The blade is still in excellent condition, showing little sign of use, and the plating is still close to 100%, with a good simulated temper line. The edge is dent and nick free, and this blade would be almost impossible to improve upon. Blade length is approximately 29 1/4 inches and overall length 34 3/4 inches.

The hilt is a lovely multi-piece brass example, with excellent embossed designs and pebbling on the back strap and collar. The metal was originally fully gilt, and it still retains this in the recesses. It has Cherry Blossom emblems jutting out from the back strap, indicating Imperial Japanese Army use, as they are the "double" type with 10 petals. There are additional Army cherry blossoms around the tang attachment, and on the side of the pommel amidst lovely foliate designs.

The grip on this example is lovely brown horn, which is triple wrapped with two plain brass wires, with a bullion wrapped pair of wires in the center. The horn is in lovely condition, though the wrapping has pulled out a bit unfortunately, and the wire wrap has some looseness. The hilt is still tight to the blade, however.

The scabbard (saya) is nickel plated steel and in good condition, with no major dents or other damage from service. It has a pleasingly oxidized finish, with some  bubbling and flaking toward the drag. It has a single hanger loop, though some of these had a second loop that could be detached. It is a very simple design scabbard, patterned after European swords of the 19th century, and there is no rectangular loop on the ring bolster, so this is most likely a Japanese made example, and not an import.

Overall this is a really nice example of this type of sword, and would make a worthy addition to any Japanese military collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 29 1/4"
Blade Style: Double Fullered Saber
Overall length: 34 3/4“
Guard: 4 1/4”W x 5”L
Scabbard Length: 30 3/4"

More in the Kyu-Gunto:
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.

Prior to 1945, many kyū guntō were distributed to commissioned officers to fill a demand for swords to Japan's expanding military officer classes. To distinguish individuality, wealth or craftsmanship, many swords were produced in batches as small as 1–25 to maintain the legacy of sword culture. Styles varied greatly, with inspirations drawn from swords of early periods, familial crests, and experimental artistic forms that the Meiji Restoration period had begun to introduce. Some examples have included European style silverworking, jade, cloisonné, or metalwork and paint for artistic relief.

Kyu-gunto swords, also called Russo-Japanese swords, were used by Army, Cavalry and Naval officers during the Russo-Japanese War and WWII. This style of mounting was used from 1883 until 1945. Like shin-gunto, a great variety of quality in both blades, traditional and machine made, and mounts is seen in kyu-gunto swords. Many variations are found in the scabbards of kyu-gunto swords including chromed metal, lacquered wood or leather covered wood with brass fixtures. Any style scabbard may have a leather field cover. Those swords with elongated hilts and mekugi (peg for holding blade into hilt) are more likely to have hand forged blades, while the swords lacking mekugi generally are machine made and may have chromed blades. The backstraps of naval kyu-gunto swords have no side pieces while army kyu-gunto and colonial swords have side pieces with various emblems on the backstrap.