WWII Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword in Leather Combat Cover

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 39 inches, with a blade length of approximately 27 inches. The blade shows spots and a film of surface grime, but it is without chips, nicks, or  rust. The blade has a single fuller as well as a visible and distinct temper line. The tang exhibits a film of red rust and it bears the impressed Roman numeral “IX”. The grip is wrapped in the traditional fashion in golden brown fabric, with the standard military menuki of three cherry blossoms beneath the wrapping on each side. The ray skin covering of the grip beneath the fabric wrapping shows some chips. The tsuba guard is the solid style with cherry blossoms in relief. The brown leather combat cover on the scabbard shows typical scuffs and abrasions from use in the field, but it is complete and intact. Overall very good field used condition.