Japanese WWII Type 32 Sword, Otsu Model

Original period manufacture. A sound example of a pattern of sword adopted in Meiji 32 (1899), in two styles, Ko, with a 32 3/4 inch blade, and Otsu, with a 30 1/2 inch blade. Our example is the Otsu pattern, as issued NCO's, Drivers, Military Police and other enlisted men requiring the issue of a sword. The polished steel blade is clean with scattered surface abrasions, no nicks in the cutting edge, or corrosion issues. The cutting edge has been properly sharpened in the same style as a Japanese service bayonet. Serial numbered on the ricasso, 95270, which matches the number on the scabbard drag. Stamped steel guard, this being of later manufacture it does not have the leather finger loop found on earlier production swords.Heavy steel backstrap which displays a deep checked design, matching the design on the original finish wooden grip. Side locking mechanism works properly. Cleaned steel patina finish scabbard, relatively dent-free, with scattered spots of corrosion along it's length.