Japanese 1883 Naval Sword

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Hard to find 1883 pattern sword of Officers with a nine-leaf guard. These were originally authorized for the ranks of ensign through captain. The plated 26" blade has plating lifting and a few dark spots where the plating is gone. The hilt is brass based with areas of frosting remaining. The finish is mostly worn down to the base metal. The top of the pommel and backstrap have a five leaf cherry blossom. The rayskin grip has intact original wire wrap. The guard has a nine-leaf pattern, (see Dawson's reference pg 256). The reverse has a fold-down locking mechanism to secure the scabbard. Naval arsenal markings are seen on the guard near the leather buffer pad. The scabbard is leather based with matching cherry blossom fittings. The ball is lost from the tassel.