WWII Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword Signed Mikawa Fujiwara Takenori

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 39 inches, with a blade length of approximately 25-1/2 inches. The sword blade is quite bright, showing some minor spots and scratches, as well as a visible and distinct temper line. The tang shows surface rust and it has a single mounting hole, as well as the signature of “Mikawa Fujiwara Takenori”. Born Hashimoto Takehei in 1911, he studied under Nakano Kazunori and was a rikugun jumei tosho during the war. The ray skin grip is wrapped in the traditional style with brown fabric, with the wrap showing some soiling from handling. Beneath the wrapping are the standard gilt military menuki of three cherry blossoms. The tsuba guard is the solid style, with relief cherry blossoms. The textured brown scabbard paint is essentially completely intact. Attached to the top of the sword pommel is the brown and blue tassel of a Company Grade officer, with the tassel showing age but being complete and intact.