Commander's saber of the former Imperial Japanese Army . The saber, such as the 19th-century French Navy officer's saber, is a type of European curved sword. In Japan, it was adopted for military use during the Meiji era and is still used as a ceremonial sword in the current Self-Defense Forces. Unlike the Japanese sword, the saber is designed not primarily for cutting but for striking forcefully to unseat an opponent while mounted. It is considerably heavier than a Japanese sword, providing flexibility to withstand hitting rigid armor without breaking. In Japan, after the Meiji Restoration in 1868, efforts to strengthen military capabilities led to the introduction of Western-style armaments. Along with this came the concept of a military sword, and in 1886, a uniquely Japanese saber-style military sword was developed, incorporating the saber-style exterior and the traditional Japanese sword style in the blade. The saber used by the former Imperial Japanese Army is commonly known as the "Army Officer Sword." This was the standardized military sword carried by officers and commanders in the Japanese Army, featuring a design influenced by Japan's traditional sword culture. The officer's saber had a curved blade with intricate patterns and decorative handles. The blade itself was typically made of high-quality steel. These military swords were adopted for ceremonial and formal occasions, serving as part of the officer's uniform. Length 91.5 cm (With scabbard 95.0 cm) Width 2.1 cm Weight 980 g Condition: There are some rust spots here and there, but considering it's from the Meiji era, it's in good condition. The blade appears to be thinly shaved overall. I have included many photos, so please take a close look. Atention: The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase. Shipping: The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan. We will use either EMS for a safe and secure transportation. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number. Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please also check if your country accepts saber (imitation sword). Some countries may not accept saber (imitation sword), artworks, and antiques. Can your country accept these items? If your country does not accept these items and you purchase this, there is a high possibility that the item will be disposed of at customs or returned to Japan. Please check your country's import duties before bidding. 011020310306