Meji 19 Artillery Sword

[Geoff Ward]

Hello all,I thought I would post a few photos of the piece I just added to my collection.I have been looking for one for some time now but I couldn't find one in the condition that suited me until now.Although the frog is not the standard black Meji style with the buckle strap,It is possible that the frog that came with it is a field expedient. This piece is the wood handled variant and is marked Meji 19 (1886) From what I understand most were make by the Tokyo arsenal.The reverse of the blade has no wide fuller and a flat surface with what I assume is an inspection mark.The scabbard is leather sewn together very similar to the Imperial German bayonet scabbards, with steel blade runners and black painted steel scabbard and hilt fittings.

[ghp95134]

東京砲兵工廠
Tōkyō Hōhei Kōshō
Tokyo Artillery Arsenal

明治十九年製
Meiji jūkyū nen sei
Made in Meiji 19 1877


(鈴)
(Suzu)
Short for 鈴木 Suzuki?


--Guy

[Alan M]

Wow , i'm jealous Geoff ! This is the first time i have seen one of these or even knew of their existance . As you say , the scabbard is very much like the early German leather scabbards . Well done on your find and thanks for showing us

[harryamb2]

a great find,new to me.