WW2 Imperial Japanese Army Officers Shin Gunto, Sold

In overall good condition, a World War 2 Japanese army officer's shin gunto, private purchase with non-regulation Gosan Kiri decoration, blade by Tempo era Higo smith Enju Naohiro.

The maker of the blade Enju Naohiro, is said by some to be the same person as Dotanuki Munehiro, see Nihonto Antiques Site; this claim is contentious, but in any event, Enju Naohiro was clearly a quality blade maker. This blade has a feint though clear and very active gunome / midare hamon with the bohi (fuller) indicating this was one of his better blades.

The 24 inch blade is sound with no truly major rust spots. The same rayskin grip is split one side and a menuki is missing off the same side. The sarute loop (sword knot ring at the end of pommel) has come astray a little. The leather saya / scabbard is aged and worn, etc. but sound. The tsuba is a later replacement, the original apparently having split from active service use. But otherwise the sword is authentic and in overall good condition for a field officer's sword that probably dates from before Pearl Harbor.

A great sword from a great blade maker. Please quote item reference number G82 (981). Further / full sized images upon request.