WW2 Japanese Army Officer's Shin Gunto, Kojima
Katsumasa, sold |
In good condition, a WW2 Japanese Army Officer's Shin Gunto, Noshu
Seki ju Kojima Katsumasa saku.
 

A British officer's bring back war trophy. The presentation plaque
attached to the saya / scabbard reads "Presented to Lieut.
J. Murray R W A F F By H.Q.B.M.A. Malaya 1945". Lieutenant
John Murray served with the Royal West African Frontier Force against
the Japanese and then retired back to his home in Nigeria after
the war. A photo of him with his men is further below. The Japanese
sword smith Kojima Katsumasa made Showata blades and appears in
many books such as Modern Japanese Swordsmiths 1868-1945.




The 25 1/16 inch (cutting edge) blade is in good condition, hamon
still visible, but with some knocks and scrapes plus an ominous
small chip to the cutting edge. The sword furniture / components
are all fair, with age and dry cracking, a wax like seal to the
upper bindings, no doubt covering / repairing a break. The leather
saya / scabbard cover is aged and worn, plus the drag / chape has
ripped loose exposing a standard gunto saya underneath. The sword
sheathes and draws well but the locking pin mechanism works but
does not hold the saya / scabbard as the internal saya catch is
gone.
Well priced for a famous swordsmith and with full provenance regarding
the officer who was awarded this as a war trophy; £? (too
late, now sold). Please quote item reference number W18 (1132).
Further / full sized pictures available upon request.




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