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.