WW2 Japanese Army NCO's Katana / Shin Gunto,
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A very rare dedicated / inscribed WW2 Japanese NCO's shin gunto
in very good condition.
First, we 100% money back guarantee this is an authentic 1935 model
(Type 95) WW2 IMperial Japanese Army NCO's shin gunto. Second, this
ia a very rare dedication / inscription example. Although many Japanese
officer swords carried inscriptions, this one is very different,
it is dedicated to an RAF officer on the saya / scabbard of an NCO's
katana.
The inscription is "(3 Stars) H M Sherman Certain Victory
We Can Do It" (the later part in Japanese). It is believed
that an RAF officer by the name of Harry Maurice Sherman was given
this by a "Japanese
Surrendered Personnel" sergeant, someone conscripted by
the British to fight insurgents in Indonesia, as a gift and mark
of respect as he was about to be repatriated to Japan, and therefore
had to surrender his sword. It is the only possible logical explanation
for the inscription; we believe the three stars were done in humour
by the Japanese NCO, as if to say "3 Star General H M Sherman".
This is also a very nice example of the NCO's katana, with the
rare green painted grip in still good condition, and the sword and
saya with marching serial numbers, 70592 (with Kokura arsenal stamp
to the blade), quite an early sword, so it probably saw a lot of
action.
The 26 1/4 inch cutting edge (excludes habaki) blade is in very
good condition, albeit some aging and blemishes, and firm in the
hilt. The saya locks onto the retaining mechanism well. The blade
sheathes and draws well. The saya / scabbard with matching original
olive green paint is in good shape. Everything good and tight. A
great example with some great provenance and extremely rare markings.
As you are totally unlikely to ever find another NCO's shin gunto
with such rare dedication inscription, our price is truly a bargain.
Further / full sized images upon request. Please quote item reference
number E94 (847).
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