WWII Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword in Leather Combat Cover

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 41 inches, with a blade length of approximately 27 inches. The sword blade shows spots, scratches and speckling. The cutting edge has several tiny and barely visible nicks. The top edge of the blade similarly shows scattered minor indentations. The blade displays a visible and distinct temper line. The tang has a single mounting hole. The sword was created without a release button. The ray skin grip is wrapped in the traditional style with golden brown fabric, with the wrap showing some relatively light soiling from handling. Beneath the wrapping are the standard military menuki of three cherry blossoms. The tsuba guard is the solid style, with relief cherry blossoms. The scabbard is within a leather combat cover, the leather retaining strap snap does not quite reach its mate on the scabbard, as the scabbard leather has slightly shrunk. One snap on the upper scabbard is torn.