WW2 Japanese Naval Landing Forces Officers Kai-Gunto Gendaito, sold

In good condition, a scarce WW2 Japanese Naval Landing Forces Officer's Kai-Gunto Gendaito Wakizashi.

An Imperial Japanese Naval Kai-Gunto with a single ashi (saya / scabbard suspension ring) equals a naval marine officer's sword; this one, a short sword (by choice of the officer) or "wakizashi". Japanese marine landing officers came under the navy (hence they wore Kai, not Shin Gunto), and had the hardest jobs of all fighting officers; they were beach landing marines at the beginning of the war and front line beach defense soldiers towards the end. The blade in this one has two menuki peg holes, so it was likely mounted in a civilian wakizashi previously. Most likely a 20th Century Gendaito than an older ancestor's blade.

The 20 5/8 inch nagasa (cutting edge section) blade is in good condition but has been over-cleaned so the hamon etc. is just visible, plus there is a small nick / burr to the very tip (it is not damage from being dropped, very different, only really detectable from one side, more of a scrape than anything else). The tsuba and related fitting are good, the tsuka is basically all good, but there is a small crack in the same (ray skin). Saya / scabbard well above average. The sword sheathes and draws well.

A well above average, highly desirable sword and just £? (too late, now sold). Please quote reference AE56 (0942). Further / full sized images available upon request. NB: A great candidate for a professional polish which would not only bring the blade quality but also remove the tiny burr.