WWII Signed Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword

The officer’s sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 39 inches with a blade length of approximately 26 inches. The blade is generally very bright with a straight temper line. The blade has some light spots but it is generally clean and without nicks, chips, or active rust. The tang is signed “Sadamasa”, whose real name was Suda Masao, and who is also listed with the family name “Shinkai”.  He was born October 27th 1926, and he worked as gunto smith, having received his Tosho (swordsmith) license on 21 September, 1943. The tsuba is the familiar solid style of brass with cherry blossoms in relief at the corners. The grip is covered in white ray skin with some losses. It is wrapped in the traditional fashion in brown silk tape. The standard military menuki of three cherry blossoms is beneath the wrapping on both sides. The metal scabbard retains more than 90% of its olive brown paint. The sword is in overall excellent condition. Item number 32493.