WWII Surrender Presented Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword

A very fine example of a Japanese Army officer’s Shin Gunto sword, with a typed fabric presentation tag which states that the sword was presented to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Schultz of the U.S. Army 81st Infantry Division by the Chief of Staff of the Japanese 108th Infantry Division on the occasion of its demobilization at Hachinohe, Japan, in October of 1945. The tag further identifies the sword as a “Japanese Samurai Sword approximately 100 years old.” Some research performed on the internet indicates that the recipient of the sword, Lt. Col. Joseph Schultz, was the Assistant G-3 (Operations Officer” for the 81st Division in its Pacific combat operations.

The sword blade is approximately 19 1/2 inches long, with the sword having an overall length of approximately 36 inches when within the scabbard. The wooden handle is covered in ray skin and wrapped with copper colored fabric in the traditional fashion. The standard military menuki of three cherry blossoms are beneath the wrap on each side. The gilt finish of the menuki is quite bright. The sword has a brown painted scabbard with the original paint approximately 90% intact. The gilt tsuba is is the solid style with cherry blossoms in relief. The blade is quite bright and clean with a very distinctive and visible wavy temper line. There are a few typical light scratches and spots, but overall the blade is quite impressive. The tang of the blade exhibits some degree of old, dark rust, and is unsigned.

PLEASE NOTE: Our customers outside of the United States should contact us when purchasing this item so that we can provide you with the cost of shipping to your country.