In aged / used condition, a WW2 Japanese Army Officer’s Katana signed Kanemoto
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Blade believed to be much older (circa 1700’s), signed Kanemoto, this WW2 katana is a civilian sword but for military use (has the three cherry blossom imperial menuki and leather field service scabbard); this tends to indicate a long serving Japanese officer’s sword. This katana was given to a British serviceman at the end of WW2, a British soldier who served with the 33rd Indian Corps who helped liberate Burma. The sword has seen active use, hopefully just cutting dense jungle (not the enemy / civilians), but who knows. What you see is what you get, including copy of original war trophy award docket and framed campaign history of the 33 India Corps.
The 26 7/8 inch nagasa (cutting edge section) blade has age and several nicks, some hamon still visible. The blade is a little loose int eh hilt / grip (an extra seppa / washer would no doubt cure). The tsuka (hilt) is aged / worn, the Same (rayskin) is split in places, the ito (braid) is fraying quite significantly in places, but is overall sound. The leather bound saya / scabbard is aged but still good. The sword sheathes and draws well.
A nihonto blade but not one for nihonto purists due to wartime active service condition, but an absolute must for Japanese war sword lovers. Just was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AG92. Further / full sized images available upon request. Boxes Triangle 1576(a) – 105x15x14 – 1.965 and Box 1576(b) – 44x35x16 – 1.583
