Also known as the "Russo-Japanese Sword" due to its use in that conflict, the kyu-gunto shows a blending of European and Japanese sword features. While many kyu-gunto were outfitted with mass produced machine made blades, a limited number can be found with traditional blades, including antique and ancestral blades re-mounted to pass Army muster. Overall length is 36 1/2 inches overall, with a 27 inch blade with a wavy hamon, single fullers and well developed grain, set in a striped and silver plated copper habaki and an elongated hilt with European style pierced through "D" handguard, cherry blossom themed decoration, wire wrapped rayskin grip and a nickel finished scabbard with a leather wrap. An unidentified silver mon is mounted on the back of the hilt, featuring an arrangement of three leaves atop a flower with five petals, a green cord with a solid black acorn hangs from the guard, and the tang has a single mekugi-ana and a 5-figure signature on the left side; consignor notes supported by additional research indicate the signature as that of "Kawachi Kami Kunisuke", a second generation smith active in the kanbun era (1661-1673).

Very fine. The excellent blade shows a small amount of spotting and handling marks, while retaining an overall bright appearance, a strong hamon and light yet visible grain. The retention clip has been removed flush with the seppa and the mekugi is a bit loose, otherwise the furniture is in fine shape, with strong gilt finish on the hilt components, and some scuffing on the leather saya wrap.