In good condition, a WW2 Japanese Army Officer’s Shin Gunto with sword knot, Yoshimichi
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The mei is signed 吉道 (Yoshimichi) and dated 昭和十九年 Shōwa 19 (1944) and with no Showa or Seki stamps to indicate a mass produced blade. The blade in places shows some traditionally forged attributes, e.g. a sunagashi (cloudy border) to the hamon.
This shin gunto still has the sword knot attached, which means it was physically taken off a Japanese officer (swords without knots are a clear sign of post war mass surrender swords, as Japanese officers removed the knots if they could to save some honour).
YOSHIMICHI (吉道), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Yoshimichi” (吉道), real name Kojima Yukiyoshi (小島幸吉).
The bespoke unusual menuki grip ornaments are clearly original (they appear to be the top of palm trees); consensus is that they were a personal choice of the particular officer.
The 25 inch nagasa (cutting edge section) blade is in good condition but with some light patina patches. Blade firm in hilt / tsuka. The fittings (tsuba, tsuka, habaki, etc. and same rayskin) are all good (same / rayskin around one menuki ana peg hole is a bit battered), but the leather saya retaining strap is gone. The leather covered saya / scabbard has age and wear but is good. The sword sheathes and draws well.
An interesting, captured (with sword knot), possibly gendaito (or at least, higher grade showato) guaranteed authentic WW2 shin gunto wih bespoke menuki for just was £? (too late, now sold) is a real deal! Please quote item reference AI04. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1897 (2.204) 100 x 18 x 16.
