Lot 248:
Japanese Type 32 Meiji Cavalry Saber with Scabbard
Sold for: $300
Description
A Japanese Type 32 (Meiji 32) cavalry saber, specifically the Otsu variant, produced at the Tokyo (Koishikawa) Artillery Arsenal. This model features a slightly curved, single-edged bright steel blade with a single wide fuller extending most of its length. The hilt is constructed with a deep, asymmetrical steel bowl guard finished in black and fitted with checkered wooden grip scales secured by a transverse screw. A signature spring-loaded locking lever is mounted on the back of the grip to secure the sword into the scabbard. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the serial number 64418. The bowl guard is stamped with the four-cannonball logo of the Tokyo (Koishikawa) Artillery Arsenal along with arsenal inspection marks. The accompanying steel scabbard features a single carrying ring and a reinforced drag, which is stamped with the serial number 33356.
Blade Length – 32.75″
Total Length – 38.5″.
Condition report:
The blade is in good condition, retaining its original bright polish with some scattered light surface scratches and minor carbon spotting. The hilt components retain a fair amount of the original black finish with expected wear to the edges and contact points. The checkered wooden grips show minor smoothing from handling but remain free of significant cracks or damage. The steel scabbard shows more advanced age, with visible surface oxidation and pitting, particularly towards the drag. The locking mechanism is functional. The serial numbers on the blade and scabbard are mismatched.
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