Diplomat Sword

[DTM72]

I stumbled upon a sword for sale near me that I am unable to match to any of the diplomat swords in Fuller & Gregory Military Swords of Japan. It seems to fall into the category of Diplomat sword, but the decorations are different than any of the pics in the book. (Dragonfly). The one side of the hand guard looks to have half of the police rising sun emblem. Just wondering if anyone has any additional info on this. Nihonto is my main collection, but I can get this fairly cheap to broaden my collection.

Much Appreciated in Advance!

[Smee78]

Welcome to the board Dan. I don't know anything about the sword but look forward to hearing more about it.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Meiji era court diplomat sword, there's a small section on them in Jim Dawson's book. There have been a few listed this year, the fact that this one is missing the tassels will lead you on a long hunt for a replacement for them.

[Michael T]

Hello,

it's a Type 19 field grade court style army sword. Unfortunately the scabbard tip is missing.

 

 

[DTM72]

1 hour ago, Michael T said:

Hello,

it's a Type 19 field grade court style army sword. Unfortunately the scabbard tip is missing.

 

 

Yeah, I noticed that. I think that kind of kills any value of it.

[PNSSHOGUN]

It would be extremely difficult to find any replacement parts but this is in exceptional conditiom, it would be a labour of love to get the missing parts. 

[Bruce Pennington]

3 hours ago, Michael T said:

Type 19 field grade court style army sword

I found the pages in Dawson's book (47-50).  Michael has it right.  It exactly matches the Field grade Type 19 Court-styled Army sword.  The floral ornamentation on the bands near the handguard, as well as above and below the dragonfly, are what sets it apart from the company grade.

 

Thanks for posting, this was a nice learning experience!

[DTM72]

I also have Dawson's book, but it was stuck under many other Japanese sword reference books. i will admit, the Fuller & Gregory book was closer to the top, and thicker, so I only looked through that one reference. I gotta quit being so lazy. lol

 

I think I will probably pass on this deal due to the scabbard missing the brass covering on the end, literally letting the blade stick out.

[DTM72]

13 hours ago, Smee78 said:

Welcome to the board Dan. I don't know anything about the sword but look forward to hearing more about it.

Hey Ron! i see you are also native to South Carolina. I am just outside of Charleston. Where are you located? I'm always looking for others to share info with and help with collections.

[Brian]

2 hours ago, DTM72 said:

Fuller & Gregory book was closer to the top, and thicker....

If F&G is thicker, then you need to get the other Dawson