In VGC, a WW2 Japanese Army Officer’s Gendaito Shin Gunto, signed Ikeda Kunitada, original high polish
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Type 3 koshirae. Sadly, we had to drill the scarce original grip blade retaining steel bolts out (and replace them with standard pegs) to expose the tang / signature / nakago / mei, as the bolts had seized. Metal bolts were used only for the best blades; the “nuts” are still there and you can buy replacement bolts for around £80 each if desired.
Otherwise. the standard / replacement wooden pegs we fitted keep everything secure.
Also, double release buttons on type 3 guntos, as found on this sword, are a strong indication that the blade is gendaito.
Ikeda Kunitada 池田國忠, real name Ikeda Shimeyoshi 池田〆吉, also known as student Kato Sukekuni who was in the Kato family of smiths from Meguro, Tokyo. Rated an average Gendito CHU SAKU blade maker (also made many more Showato / non-Gendaito blades). The blade has no governement / army / armoury stamps, but does have a very clear / good authentic (not etched) hamon so, with the fact of the bolts, it 100% is Gendaito. Dated August 1943.
We bought the sword from the daughter of a British officer who served in Burma (now Myanmar).
The 26 inch nagasa (cutting edge section) blade is in high original polish (very good condition), a few light patina patched but nothing much, and firm in the tsuka / hilt. The furniture (tsuka, tsuba, fuchi, meunuki, seppa, ito, kashira) are all very good. The leather combat saya / scabbard is aged and worn but good. The sword sheathes and draws well but the locking pin mechanism is tight but works well.
Spectacular example of a Gendaito Shin Gunto at a very, very reasonable price of just was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference ZY80. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1938 107 x 15 x 16 (2.220).
