JAPANESE NAVAL OFFICER’S SWORD, 1883 PATTERN

Model used from the Russo-Japanese War through World War II. Gilt hilt with folding side guard, crisp with most gold remaining inside and outside the guard. Wire wrapped sanded ray skin grip excellent. 26” broad fullered plated blade has been field sharpened as often encountered. That was done in preparation for suicide attacks which were always a part of Japanese military strategy.