In VGC, a WW2 Japanese Army Officer’s Shin Gunto with quality Edo era family Blade
Sorry, this item has been sold (NB: we do not divulge sold prices). However, we have a search facility to help you find more similar items. Plus a feature that allows you to enter your email and keywords (for what you are looking for) to be notified by email when anything comes in. Or you can simply browse the various categories. See the left hand navigation column.
This shin gunto was taken from its original Imperial Japanese officer owner at the end of World War Two by the British Commissioner of Excise in Burma (provenance confirmation provided separately). The quality traditionally forged family blade was once (or more) fitted into earlier civilian mounts before being mounted into a shin gunto; this is evidenced by the three menuki-ana peg holes. It is unsigned, so likely made in the late 19th Century when the wearing of Samurai swords was banned in Japan. The blade has clear hada (traditional forged grain) and hamon.
The 27 3/8 inch nagasa (cutting edge section) blade is in very good condition. The furniture (tsuba, tsuka, seppa) are a little loose. The rayskin same with a small amount of loss around the menuki-ana peg holes. The locking pin mechanism does work but fails to quite hold the saya (scabbard); probably a simple matter of careful adjustment. Otherwise, the furniture is very good indeed. The scabbard / saya with some age is still very good. The sword sheathes and draws well.
A trully exceptional well above average quality example. Very much under-priced at was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AH56. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1818-107x17x15 (2.366)