Japanese Army Field Grade Officer Type 19 Court Style Full Dress Sword With Knot

The “Court Style” Army officer swords were worn by officers of the Imperial Japanese Army on full dress occasions. The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 31-1/2 inches, with a blade length of approximately 23-1/2 inches. The blade is generally bright, with some scattered dark spots and speckling of the plated finish. The grip shows minor abrasions, but it is without chips or cracks and it is tightly triple wrapped with toned gilt wire. The obverse guard is static, bearing a relief sun with ray ends that are “V” shaped. The reverse side of the sword has a folding clamshell guard. The pommel displays a dragonfly, the indication that the sword was that of an army officer and not a court sword. The ferrule and the band immediately below the pommel are highly decorated, as is the scabbard drag, all indicating that the sword was carried by an army officer of field grade rank. All of the components of the guard, handle, pommel, and scabbard fittings retain much of a fine, age toned, fire gilt finish, showing some relatively minor spots of loss of gilt finish, wear and age on the sword, and more noticeable loss of gilt to the upper scabbard fitting. The body of the leather scabbard exhibits minor scuffs and scrapes. Tied around the sword grip is a toned gold portepee, which shows soiling, age toning, and spots of wear. Overall the sword is in very good condition.