Signed and 1942 Dated Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword with Leather Combat Cover

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 39 inches, with a blade length of approximately 25 inches. The sword blade is generally bright, with some spots and speckling, as well as a few spots of pinprick oxidation, but the blade is without nicks, chips, or active rust and it displays a visible temper line. The tang is signed “Kaneko”, with the tang bearing the additional specification of an auspicious day in October, 1942. The ray skin grip is wrapped in the traditional style with golden brown fabric, with the wrap showing some soiling from handling. Beneath the wrapping are the standard military menuki of three cherry blossoms. The tsuba guard is the solid style, with relief cherry blossoms. The base of the grip would have originally had a leather fitting with small strap which went through the tsuba and snapped to the scabbard – now missing. The sword was not made with a release button at the ferrule. The scabbard is within a combat leather cover, which shows spots, scuffs and is missing its snap near the throat.