Signed 1944 Dated Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword in Leather Combat Cover

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 38 inches, with a blade length of approximately 25-1/2 inches. The blade is quite bright, showing some scratches and spots, but having a visible temper line and making an excellent appearance. The tang is signed “Kanezane”and dated “Showa Year 19”, or 1944. “Kanezane”‘s actual name was “Hayashi Hiromi”. Born on February 1st, 1923, he studied at Watanabe Kanenaga´s training site, Watanabe Kanenaga Nihontō Tanren Juku, and he worked as a guntō smith. The grip is wrapped in the traditional fashion in brown fabric. The standard military menuki are beneath the wrapping on each side of the grip. The gilt tsuba guard is the solid style with relief cherry blossoms. The lacquered wooden scabbard is within a brown leather combat scabbard cover. The cover shows scuffs, spots and abrasions consistent with use in the combat theater, but it is complete and intact, with all closure snaps present. Overall the sword is in excellent condition.