This is an original Japanese Army Type 32 Otsu Cavalry Sword, complete with its steel scabbard, produced between 1899 and 1945 and used through the World War II period. The sword is machine-made, as intended for mass military issue, and bears serial number 45167 on the blade, while the scabbard is numbered 70610, reflecting the common wartime practice of numbered components rather than strictly matched sets. The Type 32 replaced earlier enlisted men’s swords as well as the brass-hilted Type 25 Cavalry and NCO swords, marking a shift toward more durable, standardized military sidearms. This example features the characteristic steel hilt with checkered grip and finger loop, paired with its correct steel scabbard, embodying the practical, utilitarian design of Japanese cavalry weapons of the era.
The Type 32 was manufactured in two lengths depending on the intended user. The longer variant, with a 33-inch blade, was issued to cavalry NCOs and enlisted men, while the shorter version, measuring approximately 30.5 inches, was designated for sergeants of other branches. These swords were arsenal-produced, machine-made weapons rather than traditionally forged Japanese blades, and were manufactured in very large quantities over several decades. As a result, they hold limited appeal among traditional nihonto collectors but remain historically important as standard-issue Japanese military swords spanning multiple conflicts from the late Meiji period through the end of World War II.
From a collecting standpoint, the Type 32 occupies a distinct niche within Japanese militaria. While plentiful compared to traditionally forged swords, original examples with intact scabbards, clear serial numbers, and honest service wear remain desirable to World War II and military collectors. This sword represents a genuine example of Japanese cavalry equipment, offering solid historical value and authenticity for collectors seeking representative military arms from the Imperial Japanese Army rather than ceremonial or later reproduction pieces.
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