A local shop has a Japanese cavalry sword. I've searched the web and it's Japanese and not the Chinese version. Everything looks correct to my uninformed eyes, but there's no finger loop or even a place for one. There's no hole or stopper there. The handguard is just smooth steel there. Were any of these made without the finger loop?

I found with a similiar handguard on Ebay, although the one in the shop is in much, much better condition.

http://cgi.ebay.com/WWII-Japanese-Cavalry-Sabers-Sword-...ksid=p3286.m20.l1116

You are asking about the steel hilted Type 32 Army Sword. These are commonly called Cavalry swords but are actually NCO swords and longer ones were issued to the Cavalry but several branches wore them.

Early swords had the finger loop but later swords were manufactured without them. If there is a small hole or rivet in the guard near the grip the leather loop is missisng, if there is no hole or rivet it never had a loop. Look carefully because some holes were plugged by armorers when the swords were reworked and reissued.

I hope this is helpful.

Yes, helpful for sure. I was able to grab these photos this morning. I'm 99% sure this one never had a hole for a loop. Any idea what time frame these were made? I assume these were issued before the all metal handle NCO swords? Any guesstimates on value? The guy said he'd take $300.00 for it.

This sword became regulation on 3 August 1899. The sword with a 32 3/4" blade was issued to Cavalry while the one with a shorter 30 1/2" blade was issued to Infantry, Artillery and Engineer Sergeants. The serial number on the ricasso of the blade should match the one on the drag of the scabbard if I were to pay $300 for it. The sword is dated on the last photo of the guard but I cannot read it I am afraid.

This was the 30 1/2" blade. The scabbard was a mismatch. I may go back and see if he if he has any wiggle room on the price. Thanks for your help.

A mismatched scabbard is a hard sell.Really hurts the value.I along with other collectors would not even want it.

I agree with Zorro. This is a very common sword and I would wait to find one with a matching scabbard if it were me. I have seen matching ones sell for around $250 so it is not a bargain.