In very good condition, a guaranteed authentic early WW2 Japanese NCO’s Copper Hilted Shin Gunto Katana, matching serial numbers.
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These are rare, especially in unmodified condition; the blade tang is secured solely by the sarute loop assembly and many of these early swords were drilled to accept a central securing bolt (like on the common later copper painted aluminum hilted version). This sword would have seen the entire length of WW2 and probably a lot of action.
26 1/2 inch sharpened blade, serial number 4171, in very good though rigorously cleaned conditioned, firm in the tsuka / hilt (a tiny amount of movement felt rather than seen). The copper hilt / grip / tsuka cleaned bright in very good condition. It may well be worth undoing the sarute loop blade retention grommet to reposition the blade all the way back into the hilt; we have left it untouched as collectors prefer (we don’t cheat by taking a mallet to the pommel). The steel scabbard with correct early round brass chape has been zealously cleaned but has a couple of small patches of the original camouflage paint remain for colour matching if respraying / repainting is desired; matching serial number of 4171. The sword sheathes and draws well. The saya / scabbard locking mechanism works well.
Truly a scarce sword, and in unmodified condition. Absolutely worth every penny of was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference number AF80. Further / full sized images upon request. Box 1237-101x18x16 (2.672),
