Featured in this lot is a WWII era Model 1883 dress sword for an Officer of the Japanese Navy. These swords are also known as Kyu-gunto swords, as well as Russo-Japanese swords and were used in the Russo-Japanese War and WWII. These swords were worn by officers in the Army, Cavalry, and Navy to denote their rank. This beautiful sword has a brass hilt adorned with floral decorations, the Toyotomi Clan crest and a ribbed Manta Ray skin handle. The hilt features a Mekugi, a small peg that locks and holds the blade into place. The unsharpened, tempered, high carbon steel blade has an acid etched wavy yakiba/ hamon running the length of the entire length of the blade. The black manta ray skin scabbard features a brass locket and chape adorned with floral decorations and bearing the Toyotomi Clan crest. There are two suspension rings towards the bottom of the scabbard that hold the presentation belt. The presentation belt is made of black leather and features the Japanese Naval crest on the buckle. It is adorned with brass fittings and buckles. The brass fittings on the sword and scabbard show a nice patina from their vintage age and light scuff marks throughout. The blade shows some slight wear, but no chips or damage to the blade. The leather on the presentation belt is cracked and peeling throughout but is still functional and wearable. The sword measures 32 3/4" L in the scabbard and has a 25" L blade.*