WW2 Japanese Army NCO's Shin Gunto Katana (sold)

Nagoya arsenal stamped, 1935 pattern, WW2 Japanese Imperial army NCO's shin gunto katana in good condition.

We 100% guarantee this is an authentic WW2 Japanese NCO's shin gunto katana. Be warned, the vast majority of these swords on the market are reproductions. Again, this one is 100% authentic, guaranteed.

Correctly stamped serial number and Nagoya arsenal acceptance stamp to the blade. Correct fuchi markings, bohi (blade grove location) and sarute loop size show this is an authentic WW2 NCO's shin gunto.

Good condition 26 1/4 inch blade (excludes habaki), serial number 61580 (so this sword is sure to have seen quite some service), several nicks to the cutting edge I believe are period from use. There is some play of the blade in the hilt, which again I suspect is down to an arduous service life; all the seppa (fittings) appear to be there; it is possible to dismantle these and thus firm it up if required. The hilt is well worn, again clearly period. The saya / scabbard is an earlier still serial number, 22688, so it is possible the blade was a replacement for one damaged in combat, though most likely this sword came back as a war trophy from a so-called surrender warehouse (of surrendered weapons). Still, this sword has seen some very tough times, for sure, and is therefore part of its great appeal. A highly evocative investment at a bargain price. Further / full sized pictures available upon request. Item number B34 (484).