1945 Dated Signed Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword
$1,450.00
The shin gunto sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 39 inches, with a blade length of approximately 26 inches. The blade exhibits some relatively minor signs of age, with scratches and spots, but it is generally clean and without nicks, chips or active rust. The tang has a single mounting hole and it is signed “Toshichika”. His legal name was Yamada Shūzō. He entered the Seki Guild Log on June 28 of 1942. The same side of the tang bears a painted assembly number. The opposite side of the tang shows the date of March of 1945. The grip is covered in light sharkskin, and it is tightly wrapped in the traditional manner with golden brown fabric which shows some soiling from handling. Beneath the fabric on each side of the grip are the standard military menuki of three cherry blossom. The tsuba guard is the plain solid style without decoration. The scabbard shows external brown paint which is largely intact and shows typical signs of age and use. Overall the sword is in very good condition.