Original French WWI Era Model 1886 Artillery Officers Kepi by Lureau Poitiers Category_Receiver Top Cover The Type 97 had the

The Type 97 had the same principles as most of fragmentation grenades of the period: a grooved 'pineapple-shaped' segmented body which dispersed sharp pieces of shrapnel when it exploded

which are both fully functional

These swords are also sometimes referred to as taijijian or "tai chi swords"

showing some wear and soiling from service

however this is the first one to have an original felt-lined protective case

Original French WWI Era Model 1886 Artillery Officers Kepi by Lureau Poitiers Category_Receiver Top Cover The Type 97 had theOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a nice World War One era French Artillery Officer Model 1886 kepi in good condition. This is the lower height style kepi they first started using after phasing out the floppy or "bummer" type kepis. This style was only worn for a short time during WWI into the early 1920's. This example is a high quality kepi, certainly a private purchase from Lureau Poitiers whose maker stamp is on the interior crown.