it is one of my earliest sword purchases and still one of my most favourite swords, it still has most of it's original dark blued finish on the 62.5 cm blade, except where it has worn a bit from inserting it in the scabbard, but the grind lines are as crisp as the day it was made, and it's as sharp as a razor still with no nicks, gouges or rust damage.
the scabbard is in excellent shape as well, no wear or damage, well oiled - the small button-holed strap has a slight amt. of age cracking.
the guard is rust browned with a nice dark even patina, coated in dried varnish-like oil and the wooden scales are also in excellent shape with only a couple of dents. some evidence of stabilised rust under the scales, but it looks much the same as i'd expect it looked when it was first issued. there is some slight pitting near the hilt around the makers mark area, but none on the rest. it sits next to my bed justincase something (besides the dogs) goes bump in the night... the only thing i'm missing is the frog to hang it from a belt.