WW2 Japanese Named Army NCO's Shin Gunto, etc, Sold

In very good condition, a WW2 Japanese Named Army NCO's Shin Gunto (matching serial numbers), Knot. Belts & Comfort Bag.

This 99% was taken from a fallen Japanese non-commissioned officer at the end of WW2; complete with sword knot, belt and comfort bag (bearing the Japanese soldier's name, we believe "Naohisa"), surrender items simply do not come with all of this; the knots, etc. were removed by the Japanese soldiers to in some way preserve their pride and dignity. Further, we know the name of the allied soldier courtesy of the war souvenir pass that likely saw the end of the Japanese NCO, one Lance Corporal F Simmonds of the 9th Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment. They were sent with the 72nd Infantry Brigade to fight in the Burma Campaign with the British 36th Infantry Division. The battalion saw action in the Arakan, was airlifted into Myitkyina and fought its way to Mandalay by April 1945.

The 26 1/4 inch (cutting edge) blade is in very good condition save for some ominous period nicks and a little rust towards the point (L/Cpl Simmonds was wise enough to grease the blade before storing the sword). The sword fittings are all worn but in good order. Serial number to blade 38997 with Kokura arsenal stamp matches that on the throat of the saya. The leather knot and belt are where they were tied / attached by the likely unfortunate Japanese NCO. The saya / scabbard has lost some war paint but is overall good. The sword sheathes and draws well. The Japanese soldier's comfort bag in in good order.

Tons of research potential; it is so very rare that you get a complete gunto like this, and the soldier's bag that bears his name. Come on, £(too late, now sold)is a steal. Please quote item reference AE53 (0898). Further / full sized photos available upon request.