WW2 Japanese Army Officer's Katana, Sunobe abura yake-ire to, Sold

In good overall condition, a Sunobe abura yake-ire to (higher quality Showato) ww2 Japanese army officer's shin gunto katana, signed and dated.

Sunobe abura yake-ire to means "drawn and hammered oil-hardened", which gives a highly quality Showato blade with certain Gendaito characteristics, such as here, a Masame (straight grain) hada. Signed "Kanetatsu" (low to medium grade Showato) and dated April 1944, with post 1941 Seki stamp.

The 25 3/4 inch blade (measured from habaki inset to point) is in very good condition, perhaps a little over-buffed, but a slight non-etched hamon and the Masame grain is still evident. The Tsuka (grip) has split Same (rayskin) in a couple of places, the ito (bindings have come away at one end (can be glued) and are a little out of kilter in a couple of places, but not by much. The rayskin around the menuki peg holes is enlarged / split a little. The Saya (scabbard) is sound but has lost its leather field service covering. The locking pin mechanism has lost its catch pin end. The sword sheathes and draws well but the habaki catches on the inside of the saya (it feels like the locking pin mechanism works) and can require a little wriggle (holding the tsuka with one hand, and the saya the other) to effect release.

The blade is well above average for Showato, the furniture is as described above, but still, a cracking buy at only £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference O58 (1366). Further / full sized pictures available upon request.