WW2 Japanese Army Officer's Shin Gunto, sold |
In good overall condition, a pre-1942 Showa stamped Imperial Japanese
army officer's shin gunto.
An earlier WW2 shin gunto, with some period nicks to the cutting
edge (for us, these only add to the sword). Looks like a Minho blade
maker called Kuniharu, but he had very bad hand writing. Although
the Showa stamp means the blade is not Gendaito, it is certainly
not the basic stainless steel as there is some ware and grain to
it.
The 24 7/8 inch (nagasa / point to habaki) blade is in good order
but with no visible hamon, and with a few small nicks the forward
cutting edge. There is a little looseness blade to hilt, but this
is because a seppa (washer) is missing; we suspect it was a leather
seppa that got eroded and can provide a small section of cow hide
if the buyer wants to cut another out. Apart from that, the sword
generally is very good. A split in the same (rayskin), some wear
to the chape of the saya (scabbard) which shows this sword was carried
a lot.
A great and evocative piece! Please quote item reference number
K23 (1162). Further / full sized images available upon request.
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