In fair to good condition, a Japanese WW2 Army Officer’s Shin Gunto signed Masatoshi.
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Almost certainly Gendaito or earlier traditionally forged; it has some such characteristics visible on parts of the blade, and no Seki or Showa stamp (these army acceptance marks = mass produced blades) anywhere. The saya / scabbard is later and longer; the balance is presumed original / period. As I was stuck with this one, I discussed it with a few nihonto experts and the feeling is the blade could well be over 200 years old. The sword knot is believed to be original to the gunto and more than implies the sword was taken from a Japanese officer directly (rather than it being a mass surrender sword, as Japanese officers removed their sword knots to save some honour during capitulation).
The 21 3/4 inch nagasa (cutting edge section) blade is in good overall condition but not very good polish and has several nicks to the cutting edge. The tsuka (hilt / grip) furniture is all fairly good to good and original; the same / rayskin is split and has a gap one side. The saya is modern.
Maybe a diamond in the rough? It does appear to be Gendaito / traditionally forged. In any event, was £? (too late, now sold) is a really good price. Please quote item reference Y08. Further / full sized images available upon request. Triangle 1381-105×16 (1.535).
