Exceptional, WW2, Japanese, Kai Gunto Naval Samurai Officers Sword, with blossom gilt metal mounts, Signed, Black Scabbard.

*Exceptional, WW2, Japanese, Kai Gunto, Naval Samurai Officers Sword, with blossom gilt metal mounts, Signed, Black Scabbard.*

Regulation pattern WW2 Japanese Naval Officer’s sword. It has a rayskin covered Scabbard (saya) which has been lacquered black  and two hangers (ashi) and suggesting that it is a Naval  Sword, Kai Gunto rather than Shin Gunto (“new military sword”) Sword.  (Early Shin Gunto Swords have also been found with two ashi, but this is more closely associated with Kai Gunto). The tang is signed. The seppa parts are numbered with the manufacturing number 3, 5 showing that this was made and assembled in the same place and that this is intact and untampered with, a rare find! It does not appear to have a factory stamp. The metal gilted brass mounts. Wrapped leather grip. Single edged curved blade.

68cm blade, 93.5 overall.

*Condition*
The blade is in excellent condition, clean, sharp and only one minor nick. The grip is in good condition with some wear and tear to the pommel and some rusting to the crossguard. The scabbard is slightly loose fitting and shows some signs of wear and tear to be expected of a sword of this age. Some of the leather has split revealing the wooden scabbard below. This is an exceptional find with all pieces intact and the numbering shows that it is clearly all from the same manufacturer.  Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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