Japan, Empire. An M1899 Sasaki 4th Cavalry Brigade Sword

An m1899 cavalry sword featuring a 64 cm worn steel blade, with text on both sides above the guard including number 40127; Handle is composed of cast bronze featuring traditional floral motifs and simulated sharkskin grip; housed within copper scabbard with hand painted details, importantly text stating "Sasaki 4th Cavalry Squadron" referring to Minoru Sasaki who graduated from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy in 1914 as a cavalry officer. He was sent as a military attaché to Russia and Poland in the 1920s, and served in a number of staff positions within the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff. From 1939-1940, Sasaki was commander of the IJA 4th Cavalry Brigade. He became Chief of Staff of the IJA 6th Army in China in 1940. From 1942-1943, he was attached to the Armored Warfare Department within the Ministry of War, and promoted the development of tanks and armored warfare within the Japanese military. The sword itself exhibits wear, and remains fine.