I need help identifying this sabre

[NigxhtSlash]

 I bought this sword from garage sell. I tried to find a similar one on internet but I failed to do so. So I think you guys could help me. the blade is dull and the previous owner seems to not be taken good care of it. Thank you everyone in advance. Here's the picture If you need more photo you can tell me.

 

 

 

[Conway S]

Hello. It’s a Type 19 cavalry kyu gunto with a dress/ parade style blade. It’s marked on the ricasso by the manufacturer Suya Shoten. 

[NigxhtSlash]

Thank you! Which period is this from? Is it from pre ww2?

[Conway S]

My guess would be Taisho or maybe late Meiji given the SUYA TOKYO marking.  Just my opinion and observations, but I think the European style blades were more prevalent pre-WW2. 

[NigxhtSlash]

24 minutes ago, Conway S said:

My guess would be Taisho or maybe late Meiji given the SUYA TOKYO marking.  Just my opinion and observations, but I think the European style blades were more prevalent pre-WW2. 

is it uncommon? I can't seem to find anything on the internet. Also, How to take care of it so I can preserve it. I bought it with my own money so I want to look after it the best I can.

 

[Conway S]

The marking on the ricasso is not common, but also not rare. Suya Shoten was the premier supplier of uniforms and swords during the Meiji period and into the 1940s. They also produced swords for  foreign export. 
 

I’m not an oil expert, but I use camellia oil, which is safe for use on Nihonto. I would think you can get away with any oil that would not cause staining to the plated finish of the blade. These blades are very thinly plated, so I would not try to do anything abrasive. Just gently wipe to keep any rust under control. I would also leave the patina on the brass guard, but that’s just me. 

[John C]

3 hours ago, NigxhtSlash said:

I can't seem to find anything on the internet.

Just for fun, here is an advertisement from a 1914 magazine showing your sword (number 6, I believe).

 

John C.

[Bruce Pennington]

I am away from my reference books for a few more days, but I’m pretty sure you would find this sword in Dawson‘s book. I don’t recall the history completely either however I think it began in the late 1800s and was prevalent through the Russian in Chinese war into World War II.

[Scogg]

Conway has got it, and with good advice on the oil. I use camellia oil also. 

 

It’s listed as “Type 19 Company Grade Cavalry Officer’s Dress Sword” in Dawson’s in chapter 8 page 104. Dawson states at the chapters beginning that on July 6th 1886 this sword was introduced exclusively for cavelry officers; and was a modification of the Type 8 riding sword for officers. * 
 

* Dawson, Jim. Swords of Imperial Japan, 1868–1945. Cyclopedia ed. Newnan, Ga.: Stenger-Scott Publishing, 2007.

 

The chapter shows a few different blade types for this style of sword, even a German blade example. I imagine this is one of Suya Shoten’s blade profile options?

 

Best,

-Sam 

 

[NigxhtSlash]

Thank you so much guys!

 

 

[Conway S]

14 hours ago, Scogg said:

I imagine this is one of Suya Shoten’s blade profile options?

This style blade is based on the British Wilkinson Pattern 1845 blade. It appears on a lot of early Army type 19s and Navy dress swords.