In good condition, a WW2 Japanese Army / Infantry Sergeant’s Shin Gunto Katana with matching serial numbers.
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This is the scarcer version with the plain iron tsuba / guard, made for the Kokura Army Arsenal. Matching serial numbers of 73715 indicates this was of early to mid WW2 manufacture. As it was in the UK, moistly likely a war trophy from Burma or possibly Indonesia or French Indochina where the British acted on behalf of Holland and France in their former colonies with surrendering Japanese soldiers.
The 26 inch (cutting edge) blade is in good condition (very minor period slight damage to very tip, plus a small nick) and firm in the hilt / tsuka. The tsuba and tsuka are both in good condition, the tsuka with much of its original browning present. The steel saya / scabbard in good shape but with a couple dents; some WW2 camouflage paint remaining. The sword sheathes and draws well and the locking pin mechanism works and holds the scabbard as it should.
A well above average example. Reasonably priced at was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference number AF64. Further / full sized pictures available upon request. Box 1139-102x18x16 (2.556).
