WW2 Japanese NCO's Shin Gunto Katana & Sword Knot, sold

In very good / well above average condition, a guaranteed authentic 1935M / Type 95 World War Two Japanese NCO's shin gunto / katana, with sword knot and matching serial numbers.

With the rarer steel tsuba and plain iron fuchi combination, with serial number 21051, this is one of the earlier Imperial Japanese NCO's shin guntos / katanas you will find. It is an aluminium hilt, yet the original paint is still very, very good (most are well worn). We 100% guarantee this is an authentic WW2 Japanese sword, not a later reproduction (be careful, most are repros). We know this from the bohi (blade groove), sarute (sword knot) loop, saya (scabbard) paint, etc. It is in excellent condition for such an early version of this sword and comes complete with the original sword knot, which means this sword was surrendered by the Japanese army sergeant who once held it, or it was otherwise taken from him. This is not one of the many post-war surrender swords (swords surrendered en mass with the sword knots removed), but taken from an actual Japanese NCO, so it is very rare.

The 67cm blade is in very good condition, though has been field sharpened at least once; there are a few small rust patches and sharpening marks but not many. Blade is firm in the hilt, the hilt retaining most of its original paint. The matching number saya / scabbard retains much original olive green paint and is generally good with one small ding and some rusting to the chape. The sword sheathes and draws very well, the locking mechanism works well. The sword knot is aged but in very good order.

The sword is by repute the war trophy of Air Commodore GC Bladon, OBE; we actually bought his original RAF sword with this one from the same owner who said they both came from his estate.

A superb well above average example with matching serial numbers and original sword knot means this shin gunto will only appreciate in value; a genuine investment. Further / full sized pictures available upon request. Please quote item reference number D32 (712).