WW2 Japanese Army Officer's Gendaito Shin Gunto with Knot, Sold

In good condition, a WW2 Japanese Army Officer's Shinshinto / Gendaito Bohi Bladed Shin Gunto with Knot.

A special / quality bohi (grooved) blade. More accurately "shinshinto" than "Gendaito" as the blade clearly predates the gunto courtesy of the menuki holes made for an earlier sword. But yes, the blade is traditionally made (tamehagane or oroshigane folded steel, water tempered). It has been field sharpened one side (we are sure this was done period, during WW2 by the officer). The fact it has its original sword knot indicates this gunto was taken from the Japanese officer; it is not a mass end of war surrender item which the Japanese removed their sword knots from before surrendering, to maintain some honour). It is a UK (Royal Naval Flying Officer) veteran bring back.

The 27 1/4 inch nagasa (cutting edge section) blade is in good condition, excellent straight hamon, but has field sharpening marks and a tiny tip damage (bending), but very tiny. The tsuka and fittings (rayskin, ito / braid / bindings, tsuba, seppa, menuki, etc.) are all aged but good. The sword knot has lost its finales. The saya / scabbard is good, the sword sheathes and draws well, and the locking pin mechanism works well.

To have an officer taken gunto with earlier bohi blade is rare thing indeed, especially at our price of only £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AE22 (0693). Further / full sized images available upon request.