WWII 1941 Dated Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword Signed Amahide

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 quite bright with a distinct and wavy temper line. The blade has some light gray spots but it is generally clean and without nicks, chips, or active rust. The tang is signed by noted swordsmith “Amahide”, whose real name was Fukumoto Hideyoshi. During the war Amahide held the status of “Jumei Tosho”, a title conferred after a smith had submitted an example of his work to the Army that had passed the Army’s tests for  cutting, bending, and impact. The tsuba is the familiar style of solid brass with cherry blossoms in relief at the corners. The grip is covered in white ray skin. It is wrapped in the traditional fashion in dark silk tape. The standard military menuki of three cherry blossoms is beneath the wrapping on both sides. The metal scabbard retains approximately 95% of its olive brown paint. A long sword tassel in brown and red remains attached to the sword, showing some wear only where it is wrapped around the pommel ring. The cord colors indicate that the sword was carried by an officer of the Japanese Army who held a rank from Major to Colonel. The sword is in overall excellent condition.