Parade sword

[kissakai]

I believe this to be an 1886 pattern Naval Officers sword
After looking at Dawes – Swords of Imperial Japan 1868 – 1945 I confused
Page 256/7 shows 1183 pattern with an identical 9 leaf pattern but the image shown has a mekugi securing pin but mine does not
Also stated the colour of my pommel is for an ensign to captain
Later on page 341 figure 27-3 states this colour is Chokunin (means nothing to me) level guard design

Known:
9 leaf pattern
Solid tsuba
Blade has a groove and pointed. The etched Hamon has been polished away

Confused:
Naval or other
1888 or 1883 pattern
The grade of the owner

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Grev,

The civil branch of the military were called Gunzoku.  They wore military styled uniforms and had their own rank structure.  The chokunin rank was equivalent to General officer.  I don't know enough about them to say that they worked navy, but this is a navy dress sword.  Dress swords weren't fighting blades and were simply one-piece steel with faked hamon.  Only the real fighting blades used the mekugi.

 

You can read a bit more on Nick Komiya's post Here.  I believe there is a better, more complete discussion elsewhere, but that one should help.

 

Maybe someone who knows the pre-WWII sword knots, like @PNSSHOGUN, can comment on the tassel.

[kissakai]

Thanks Bruce that was an interesting link

 

I've added this request to the Gunboard forum as they were very helpful with details about my Arisaka

Just added one line:

Is the knot tied correctly
 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

It's a bit of a mess, but seems right.  You'll find some clear examples on Ohmura's page of Army Officers Kyu Gunto

[PNSSHOGUN]

Knot is a standard Naval Kyu Gunto type, although it has suffered greatly. It appears to be tied correctly.