Signed 1943 Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword

A very good example of a World War II period Japanese Imperial Army officer’s sword, signed by the sword smith who created the sword and dated June of 1943. The blade is approximately 26 inches long, with the sword having an overall length of approximately 38 1/2 inches when within the scabbard. The wooden handle is covered in ray skin and wrapped with brown fabric in the traditional fashion. The wrapping has some darker areas where the officer’s hands held the grip. The two standard military menuki of three cherry blossoms are beneath the wrap. The gilt surfaces of the menuki are toned and exhibit verdigris from age. The sword has a brown painted scabbard with the original paint approximately 95% intact. The gilt tsuba is is the solid style with cherry blossoms in relief. The blade has some typical light scratches and a barely perceptible nick near the point, but there are no chips, cracks, or active rust, and overall the blade is bright. The tang of the sword is signed on one side: “Kanesada”. The opposite side of the tang is marked “Showa 18 year, 6th month”, meaning that the blade was forged in June of 1943.

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