Japanese Army Officer's Kyu-gunto Sword and Scabbard

Japanese Officer's kyu-gunto sword and scabbard. The brass hilt has a large D shape knucklebow with a brown and blue tassel tied to it near the pommel. The grips are polished white rayskin, bound with brass wire. There is a cherry blossom design backstrap indicating a field officer rank. The unsigned blade has a double fuller, one wide and the other thin, near the back edge to within 25 mm of the point. A wave pattern harmon line is visible on the edge and the habaki is made from copper. The steel scabbard with a brass chape is leather covered and has a loose suspension ring on a band 60 mm from the throat

This sword was surrendered to the United States Navy by an Officer of the Japanese fleet serving in the Pacific. It was given to Lt. Commander D R Don, RANVR, who was seconded to the US Navy, as a token of appreciation for his assistance at the surrender. This type of sword resembles a European style.