Police or Army Type 19?

[Kaigunto230]

I found this at a local antique shop, and I'm considering purchasing it. However, I'd like to acquire an Army sword rather than a Police sword. 

 

   The shop lists it as a Police sword, but to my novice's eye, it's got characteristics of both. On the decorative guard, it has (although faded) the Army's 10-petal Sakura shape instead of the Police's 5 petal (check out Dawson's page 300). However, looking at the backstrap decoration (which I wish I had gotten a better photo of), it appears to be the 5-petal Sakura. That said, it doesn't match any of the Police backstraps on Dawson page 301. But then again, I can't find any Army swords that have a 5-petal design on the lower backstrap. Fuller and Gregory page 65 (Military Swords of Japan) has a rubbing of an Army sword with the 5-petal backstrap, but it's on the upper portion.

So, what do you think? First, is it Army or Police? And secondly, $159 (including tax) isn't a bad price, right? Seems like that's about the going rate or even a little under. This one has some wear but not horrible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Hi Michael, there are much nicer ones to be had for less money and also have silver family crests. If you want one of these best to find a nice one, this is pretty worn.

[Kaigunto230]

@PNSSHOGUN Thank you! It does look a little worn, doesn't it? Do you think the price goes up a bunch for less worn versions? I'm interested in the Type 19s, but given the dull blade, etched hamon etc., I'm not willing to probably spend over $300.

As to Army v. Police, do you have an opinion?

[Bruce Pennington]

I don’t see anything that points to police in this.  Seems straight up army.

[Kaigunto230]

I was in the neighborhood so I stopped by to look at it again. Having checked Dawson’s in between, it’s definitely an Army sword. That said, the wear on the blade was a lot worse even than my photos showed, so I passed. 
 

I’m learning a good rule: there will always be another sword.