Model Meiji 29th Year Naval General’s Dress Sword-A Share & Some Questions

[Jaydon]

Hello everyone,

After a year’s break, I’m back with another post. This time I’d like to share with you a rare piece I recently acquired – a Meiji 29th Year (1896) Naval General’s Dress Sword. This is the same model that Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō carried during the Russo-Japanese War.

 

I also have a few questions, and I’d be really grateful if any experts here could help shed some light:

 

1. What was the exact service period for this model of sword? I’ve read that it was no longer in use by Taishō 3 (1914), but was it actually phased out even earlier?
2. The leather scabbard on my example is in poor condition. Are there any recommended methods for restoration or preservation?
3. Is it possible to identify the original owner of this particular sword? (I’m guessing this is next to impossible, but thought I’d ask anyway.)

 

 

Thanks a lot in advance, and I hope you enjoy this sword as much as I do!

[PNSSHOGUN]

Given this bears the Suya Shoten stamp, the officers surname may be inscribed on the guard.