The Type 32 (Model 1899) had a machined blade and was manufactured at the Tokyo Hohei Kosho Arsenal. The sword saw service during the Russo-Japanese War, World War One and on into World War Two.
Two patterns of the Type 32 were produced. The first pattern, known as ‘Ko,’ was issued to cavalry NCOs and had a blade length of around 830mm. The second pattern, known as ‘Otsu,’ was issued to army NCOs and was shorter, with a blade length of around 770mm.
This example is a fantastic condition ‘Otsu’ pattern Type 32 army Non Commissioned Officer’s (NCO) sabre. This sabre is an early production model with matching serial numbers on the blade and scabbard.
The 772mm Katana profile blade has a single edge and long, narrow fuller below the flat spine. The blade is in excellent condition with some sharpening scratches to the edge and remains very sharp. The ricasso is stamped with the serial number 72134. The obverse ricasso bears an arsenal stamp. The blade was designed for cutting and thrusting and was superbly good at both.
The blued steel D guard has a checked steel back strap and dove head pommel, all of which retain their original finish and are in excellent condition. The checked wooden grip is in similarly excellent condition. The locking catch is present and strong. The front of the guard bears Tokyo arsenal and inspection stamps. The hole in the guard was present to attach a finger loop. A leather loop was riveted to the guard on cavalry (Ko) examples as well as some early army swords.
The sword is complete with its blued steel scabbard, with a single hanger-ring and matching serial number. The scabbard is in very good condition, retaining its original blued finish with a couple of small use related dings below the suspension band. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard. The locking catch works perfectly. The shoe of the scabbard bears the serial number, 72143. The obverse of the scabbard shoe bears two arsenal stamps.
This increasingly hard to find Imperial Japanese Army NCO sword is rarely available in such great condition.
