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Offered is an antique Japanese Meiji-era Second Pattern civil police officer’s dress short sword with its fitted steel scabbard. This pattern is distinguished by the police badge on the brass backstrap, dark ray-skin grip with wire wrapping, inverted guard with front ring, pommel sword-knot ring, and locking catch.
The sword is believed to date to the Meiji period, 1868–1912. According to the prior ownership history, it was issued to or owned by a U.S. Marine; however, the sword itself is a Japanese police pattern rather than a USMC sword pattern. Also included is the personalized HMM-163 “Ridge Runners” wooden plaque that accompanied the sword. Both pieces were obtained together. No formal provenance paperwork is included.
The sword displays honest age and service wear throughout. The blade has oxidation and patina, staining, scratches, and small surface marks. The brass hilt has an aged patina. The grip shows wear, with the wire wrapping appearing largely intact. The steel scabbard has heavy oxidation, freckling, discoloration, and surface wear. The locking catch is present but has not been function-tested. No legible maker mark was found in the photographed areas.
Please inspect every photograph carefully. The antique sword, fitted steel scabbard, and accompanying plaque described above are included.
