Youth Type 19?!

[Bridges]

To say I’m surprised is an understatement, this type 19 is EXTREMELY short compared to a standard 19. Is this a youth type 19 referenced in Dawson’s book? A standard type is included for reference. Note the short grip.

[Bridges]

[Ontario_Archaeology]

I think what you have is just a shorter type 19. The youth type 19 are much shorter I think and lower quality. Here is one I picked up a few months ago 

[Bridges]

Thanks for the input @Ontario_Archaeology, that’s a neat acquisition! Where did you acquire it?

[Ontario_Archaeology]

I bought it off of yahoo auctions in Japan. Had a hell of a time convincing them to export it. You can go to buyee.jp. Its a company that allows people outside from Japan to proxy bid on items. Just be careful if you choose to use their services as some things can be really hard to export if at all. 

 

On second thought your sword could be a youth sword, and mine is a child's sword. Both are in Dawsons reference book. 

[Bridges]

@Ontario_Archaeologyi see the child’s sword but am having trouble locating the youth type.

[Bruce Pennington]

May be impossible to know either way.  The backstrap pattern looks identical to the field grade Type 19.  But Dawson states, pg 70, that the miniatures made for children can come in "surprising detail."  He even shows a sword knot made for the boy's sword.  While his example has good detail, it isn't the quality we see in your example.  But he also discusses the point that these were custom made for wealthy officers' children.  So, enough money can get high quality work, obviously. 

 

The youth section is discussed on pages 212-216.  The swords he shows are marked as school swords, but he states there are other unmarked swords in collections that may have been youth swords.  But, in this section, he states they were normal lengths and sizes.  

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

I meant to add that I agree with Matthew’s first feelings that it is simply a shorter type 19. Dawson shows examples of short (waki) lengths of blade in every type, at least in the officer swords. And we have seen plenty examples here on NMB.

[Bridges]

Thanks for the input @Bruce Pennington! Upon review of the backstrap, this type has DEEPLY engraved detail compared to others. I’ll attach it beside another example of mine that is also fully decorated. To really see the difference, note the vines. I love the parade saber!