Commonly called cavalry swords, there are actually two versions of the type 32 army sword, the 'ko' (first model) and the 'otsu' (second model). The ko sword was for cavalry use, while the shorter otsu was intended mainly for foot soldiers. This is an 'ko' type 32 sword. It measures 39 5/8 inches in the scabbard. The sword length is 38 inches, with a blade length of 32 3/4 inches from tip to seppae. Japanese Type 32 Cavalry / NCO sword Even light overall age use but no damage, clean nick free and unsharpened blade, matching serial numbers on ricasso and scabbard. Very nice example. Type 32 Guntō is a government supply noncommissioned officer sword enacted in 1889 (August 23, Meiji 32). There are two kinds of these Guntōes, the 'Kō' for a cavalry trooper and the 'Otsu' for a transport soldier. Japanese Type 32 Cavalry Sabre. This Japanese Type 32 Cavalry Saber shows the adoption of Western influence coupled with traditional Japanese styling popular at the closing years of the 19th century. Includes steel scabbard. Knuckle-Duster Cutlass AH3491.

• Product Description
• Additional Information

Details

RUSSO-JAPANESE AND SECOND WORLD WAR TYPE 32 (MODEL 1899) OTHER ARMS NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS (‘Ko’ PATTERN) CAVALRY SWORD AND SCABBARD STAMPED WITH MATCHING NUMBERS AND MANUFACTURED BY TOKYO HOHEI KOSHO BETWEEN 1923 AND 1944. An excellent ‘museum quality’ original Japanese Type 32 (Model 1899) ‘Ko’ Pattern Sword manufactured at the Tokyo Hohei Kosho Arsenal in Tokyo between 1899 and 1923 and issued to Cavalry NCOs (Other Arms Non-Comms were issued with the slightly shorter Type 32 ‘Otsu’ Pattern). This sword replaced the Type 25 (Model 1892) and equipped Imperial Japanese Army Cavalry NCO’s during the Russo Japanese War (1905), WW1 (1914 – 1918), Manchuria (1937 – 1941) and WW2 (1941 – 1945).

The Type 32 (Model 1899) was a machine made weapon manufactured at the Tokyo Hohei Kosho Arsenal in Tokyo in 2 Patterns. The first pattern, of which this sword is an example, known as ‘Ko’ in Japanese was issued to cavalry NCO’s and had a blade length of 33 inches (83.8cm). The second pattern, known as ‘Otsu’ was issued to the NCO’s of other arms arms and was shorter than the cavalry NCO’s ‘Ko’ pattern with a blade length of 30.5 inches (77.5cm). The machine made Katana profile blade was designed for cutting and thrusting and has a reputation for robustness and utility.

British Cavalry Saber

These ‘Ko’ pattern Type 32 swords are well made and were used by Imperial Japanese Army Cavalry NCO’s. During WW2, these swords were highly sought after by Australian, US and British troops as souvenirs and were valued almost as much as the definitive Japanese Officers ‘Katana’ sword as battlefield mementos. Attached to this listing for reference are a couple of photographs of Japanese NCO’s carrying these swords. Interestingly, the Australian War memorial holds a similar sword in its collection as item number REL/16724 although it is mis-identified as a Japanese Pattern 1886 Cavalry Trooper's Sword and Scabbard. That sword can be viewed online at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/REL/16724/ .

This Imperial Japanese issue sword is a really evocative example of its type. It is fitted with a steel D shaped basket hilt and a domed ‘birds head’ pommel and full steel guard and ferrule. All metal furniture is in excellent condition and retains most of its original blued finish consistent with age and operational use. The wooden notched grip is in similarly fine condition while the ‘Katana’ profile steel blade is ‘fullered’ and single-edged, tapering to a shallow point and is in very good original condition (see pictures) displaying the usual patina associated with operationally used weapons. The sword and scabbard are stamped with matching numbers. The obverse ricasso is numbered 65185 as is the scabbard drag (see picture). The heavy duty steel scabbard, with its single hanger-ring is in excellent original condition consistent with operational service.

The markings on this sword are clear, with the Tokyo Hohei Kosho manufacturers mark and an inspectors Kanji giving the inspectors name (Narahira) on the D guard (see picture). One ricasso is stamped with the weapon serial number 65185 while the other ricasso is stamped with an inspectors Kanji. The scabbard drag is numbered 65185.

From Australia, this Japanese Type 32 (Model 1899) ‘Ko’ Pattern Sword is in superb original condition and is a first class example of its type. A genuine Cavalry Type 32 ‘Ko’ pattern sword, and not the more common ‘Otsu’, this is finest Type 32 of either variant that I have ever listed. Almost certainly a WW2 battlefield souvenir from the campaign in the Pacific, this sword has everything you look for in a Japanese Type 32; condition, patina and originality. Like all of the best Type 32’s, this sword has the right ‘feel’ to it, its been well looked after but still retains evidence of operational use, it’s a cracker. If you want the best, this is it.

Type32

Additional Information

Japanese Type 32 Cavalry Saber Wikipedia