Japanese Type 97 Naval Kai Gunto Sword

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 38 inches with a blade length of approximately 25 inches. The blade shows spots and smudges, but it is generally quite bright and it is without nicks, chips, or active rust, with the blade having a visible temper line. The tang has a single hole and it bears the anchor acceptance mark of the Tenshōzan Tanrenjo naval arsenal. The tsuba is plain blackened brass. The grip is covered in unpolished black shark skin and wrapped in the traditional fashion in brown fabric. The standard gilt military menuki of three cherry blossoms is beneath the wrapping on both sides with the gilt finish intact. The black lacquered wood scabbard exhibits some scratches and chips, but it is in very good condition. This example of the Type 97 Naval sword has a single mount for a hanger, with no indications that the scabbard ever had a second mount. The fact that the tang bears the arsenal mark without any additional kanji suggests production after 1943, when the second scabbard mount was sometimes eliminated. The sword is in overall very good condition and it makes an impressive presentation. We photographed the sword with the retaining peg removed and it will be replaced when the sword is shipped.