Published Imperial Japanese Etched Blade Court Sword with Harness and Portepee

The sword offered here was published in the highly regarded book “Swords of Imperial Japan 1868-1945, Cyclopedia Edition”, by Jim Dawson. Photographs of those pages appear in this listing, although the book itself is not includes with the sword. The sword appears in color photographs on pages 292 and 293. The sword is approximately 31 inches long in the scabbard, with a blade length of approximately 23-1/2 inches. The plated blade bears etched decorations on both sides for approximately half of the length of the blade. The blade shows some loss of plating to areas of the surfaces. The grip shows some spots of wear to the finish from handling, but the grip is without chips or cracks. The grip is wrapped with two strands of wire. The front guard has a rising sun in relief, while the rear of the sword has a plain folding clam shell guard. The decorated guards, knuckle guard, and pommel all retain most all of the fire gilt finish. Tied around the knuckle guard is the original gold bullion portepee, which shows some spots of fraying but which is complete and intact. The scabbard shows scuffs and scratches but it is without damage. The scabbard fittings, like the fittings of the sword itself, retain the gilt finish. The sword is within the velvet carrier with white fabric harness for wearing the sword. Overall the sword is in very good condition and it makes a very impressive presentation.