In very good condition, a Gendaito WW2 Japanese Naval Officer’s Kai-Gunto
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Signed “Hirada Hidemitsu”, no naval anchor stamp, so a private purchase blade. In high polish, clearly Gendaito. The blade does stick a little in the saya / scabbard and shows wood grazes (wood lining deposits on the blade) which do not damage the blade but do indicate this sword was never drawn / sheathed much, though there is one small nick to the cutting edge which possibly is not combat related. The quality same (rayskin) covered saya and tsuka (grip) match the fact it has a private purchase blade. One ashi (scabbard suspension band) has been glued slightly out of position, probably after the war. The seppa and tsuba guard nicely numbered. The original sword knot means this sword was not a mass surrender sword, but likely one taken from the original owner officer.
The 26 1/2 inch nagasa (cutting edge section) blade is in very good condition, one very small nick, and original high polish. The “furniture” (hilt, guard, grip, fittings) all in good shape and condition. Original sword knot good but aged / faded. The saya / scabbard is very good (one ashi suspension ring shy of original / correct position). The sword sheathes and draws a little tightly in places due to contact with the saya’s wooden slat lining.
What a beauty! Get the full sized images and you will see the quality / characteristics of this clearly Gendaito blade. An absolute bargain at was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AH34. Full sized images available upon request. Box 1706-102x15x14 (1.966)
