Signed WWII Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword

The standard issue Japanese Army officer’s sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 39 inches, with a blade length of approximately 22-1/2 inches. The sword blade shows spots and scratches, as well as a visible and distinct straight temper line. The shinogi ji (the flat upper section of the blade) is almost mirror bright. The blade has two small and barely visible nicks to the cutting edge. The tang shows some relatively minimal surface rust and it has a single mounting hole. The tang bears the signature of “Nagamura Kiyonobu”. His legal name was “Nagamura Matsu’ichi”, and he entered the Seki Guild Log on April 30 of Showa 16 (1941). The ray skin grip is wrapped in the traditional style with 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 gilt style, with relief cherry blossoms. The brown scabbard paint exhibits age and wear but it is essentially intact. The scabbard has indentations on each side that does not effect the ability to draw or insert the sword.