JAPANESE ARMY OFFICER’S TYPE 19 KYU-GUNTO SABER

JAPANESE ARMY OFFICER'S TYPE 19 KYU-GUNTO SABER
World War II era Japanese Army Officer's Type 19 Kyu-Guntu saber, 30.75 in. blade and 35.5 in. overall. Black celluloid grip, lacking the brass wire wrapping, protected with a brass European-style ‘D' guard decorated with a floral motif. The hilt is also of brass construction featuring nicely detailed cherry blossoms and most interestingly, a family crest or ‘mon'. The nickel-plated blade displays some rust throughout, and the finish has worn away in some areas. Housed within a nickel-plated steel scabbard with one suspension ring. Expected oxidation to the scabbard and a charming patina seen on the hilt and guard. These European-style Kyu-Gunto swords were a result of the westernization of Japan and used until 1934, after which they were replaced by the more favored Shin-Gunto.