WW2 Japanese Army Officer's Shin Gunto, Hirada Hidemitsu, sold

In good to overall very good condition, a World War Two Imperial Japanese army officer's shin gunto katana, signed Hirada Hidemitsu (a known Seki smith).

With the hamon still very clear, and with the original sword knot / tassel (this means it was physically taken from a Japanese officer; it is not one of the mass surrender weapons as the officers removed the tassels before handing them in), you are hard beat to find a better shin gunto at the price.

The 65cm (from mune-machi to tip / cutting section) blade is in very good condition. Overall everything is good except for the saya, which is aged and the original leather for the last 1/3 towards the tip has been later replaced. Seki post December 1941 stamp and signature "Hirada Hidemitsu" to tang.

A great shin gunto for the price. Please quote item reference J36 (1118). Further / full sized pictures available upon request.