M1889 Japanese Naval Prison and Shore Patrol Sword with Scabbard

Description

Here we have a scarce Japanese m1889 Naval Prison and Shore Patrol Sword complete with its metal scabbard. Japanese swords are not my area of expertise, but this is in better shape than you generally find these in. The blade is in very good shape, no rust whatsoever and minimal grey age spots scattered here and there. I’ve read somewhere that the blades for these were machined, but this one displays the little imperfections in the steel like you’d see on old, hand-forged katana/wakizashi blades. Despite this I’m still unsure about the method of its creation. The grip is missing some wood next to the upper part of the “safety” button. Despite this flaw it still works and locks the blade into the scabbard if positioned correctly. The scabbard is in decent condition, displaying a fouled anchor at the bottom by the drag, and still retains its wooden liner. All in all this is probably one of the best examples of this sword offered anywhere at this price point. It’s all there minus that little piece of wood at the grip.