1943 Dated Signed Shin Gunto Japanese Army Officer Sword
$1,550.00
The shin gunto sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 39-1/2 inches, with a blade length of approximately 26 inches. The blade exhibits some relatively minor signs of age, with spots, scratches and smudges, but it is generally clean and quite bright, while displaying a visible temper line. The tang has a single mounting hole and it is signed “Yoshimichi”, whose legal name was “Kojima Yukiyoshi”, and he entered the Seki Guild Log on May 16 of Showa 16 [1940]. The grip is covered in light sharkskin, and it is tightly wrapped in the traditional manner with brown fabric. Beneath the fabric on each side of the grip are the standard military menuki of three cherry blossoms, with a fine gilt finish. The tsuba guard is the solid style with four raised cherry blossoms in relief. The steel scabbard retains its olive brown paint, with wear and scratches. Tied to the hilt of the sword is a leather sword knot. Overall the sword is in very good condition. We photographed the sword with the retaining peg removed and it will be replaced when the sword is shipped.