Japanese Type 32 Enlisted Sword, Otsu Model

Sword and metal sheath. A clean example of a sword pattern adopted in Meiji 32 (1899),in two styles, Ko, with a 323/4inch blade, and the shorter Otsu model, with a30 1/2inch blade. Our example is theOtsu model, issued to the Japanese Army Military Police, Transport, and Infantry, Artilleryand Engineers senior NCO's.The polished steel blade is very clean witha light service sharpening to the edge, and is serial numbered on the ricasso, 117445, with matching numbers on the scabbard drag.There arearsenal markings stampedinto the steel guard, and with a steel rivet holding the base of the leather finger loop, the remainder of the loop is missing. Heavy steel backstrap which displays a deep checked design, matching the original finish wooden grip, with no chips or cracks in the wooden portion. Steel patina finish to the scabbard body, displaying surface denting along its length.