In good overall condition, a WW2 Gendaito Japanese Army Officer’s Shin Gunto Katana.
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We are calling this one “Gendaito” because there are no Seki / Showa stamps, plus the blade has some clear traditional forged facets including “Ware” (forging carbon squiggle). But we are selling it at a Showato price, so we are not open to debate! It is signed “Ueno Yoshioki”, a really unknown Seki smith, whose real name was Ueno Yakichi. The ware shows he was not one of the finest blade makers but does indicate this is an authentic traditionally made blade by him.
The 26 1/2 inch Nagasa (cutting edge section) blade is mostly good but some black rust and nicks to the forward cutting edge, and some scuffs. The furniture (tsuba, tsuka, etc.) all in overall good condition. The “same” rayskin with some separation one side can be seen. The leather covered saya / scabbard is aged but sound. The sword sheathes and draws well. The small saya / scabbard retaining strap has perished and gone, as it common.
A good honest shin gunto and looks very much Gendaito to us, but can not guarantee it (only because there is no information on this smith to say he made traditional blades). But we are selling it at a Showato (machine made blade) price, just was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference X42. Further / full sized images available upon request. Tube 1288-105×16 (1.909).
