WW2 Japanese Army Officer's Shin Gunto, Esaka Yoshikuni, Sold

In good overall condition, the blade very good but buffed polished, a WW2 Japanese army officer's shin gunto katana, signed Esaka Yoshikuni with no Seki stamp.

The ito (grip binding) has been replaced and the imperial menuki changed with more modern menuki, but imperial menuki can be bought if required, and the ito could do with retying anyway. Esaka Yosikuni's details can be found here. The blade is interesting and high quality, though likely not gendaito but a higher grade of showato.

The 26 3/4 inch cutting edge (Nagasa) blade is overall in very good condition, some hamon visible, some flecking to blade indicating higher grade showato. The sword generally is good, the rayskin (probably a replacement) looks new. Although the menuki have been changed, the other fittings are all WW2 period. The saya could easily and quickly be vastly improved with some carefully colour selected spray paint. The sword sheathes and draws well, and the locking pin mechanism works!

Nice example, clean quality blade, a great buy at only £? (too late, now sold) . Please quote item reference O10 (1343). Further / full sized images available upon request.