Help with ID of this sword

[M14sRock]

I'm hoping someone knows what this is. What I know is that an occupation soldier brought it home from Japan and that it has been with that family ever since.























Condition is really nice. The blade has no stains (you see reflections of plants and things in my lousy pics) and has never been sharpened. It has a distinct Hamon, though I don't know if it is authentic or merely cosmetic.

I forgot to measure overall length, but can do that when I get home.

Is it even Japanese? Thanks, in advance!!

[Alan M]

It's a nice Japanese Police sword .

[Rod]

It's actually a Japanese company grade (Lt., Captain) officer's parade sword. The blade is machine made and the hamon is acid etched (that cost the officer extra). It's in great shape but a fairly common item. The back strap on the sword handle is how you can differentiate the different officer grades, the higher the officer the fancier the back strap.

Best, Rod

[M14sRock]

Outstanding! Thanks for the fast replies.

Is there someplace I could see more of these, with the various grades?

[Rod]

Online I'm not sure but Richard Fuller and Ron Gregory's book 'Military Swords of Japan 1868-1945', Arms and Armor Press, 1986 is a great reference for these and other pattern Japanese swords.

Best, Rod

[M14sRock]

Thanks, Rod. I found some sites online that have some great info. Lots of fun researching them.

I appreciate the help.