Japanese, WW2, Army Shin Gunto Sword and Saya (Scabbard) with Leather Combat Cover

*Japanese, WW2, Army Shin Gunto Sword and Saya (Scabbard) with Leather Combat Cover*

Blade measures 68.5cm (inc ricasso), 96cm overall.
Shagreen hilt with brown ito (wrapping), copper mounts and metal tassel loop hole. Metal scabbard with a single ashi (hanger), copper koiguchi and ishizuke (throat and chape), encased in a brown leather combat case.

Shin-gunto, army officers swords, are the most common style of sword mountings from the World War II era. The guntō (軍刀, military sword) was a ceremonial sword produced for the Imperial Japanese army and navy after the introduction of conscription in 1872. During the pre World War II military buildup and throughout the war, all Japanese officers were required to wear a sword. The shin guntō (新軍刀, new military sword) was a weapon and symbol of rank used by the Imperial Japanese Army, between the years of 1935–1945. The Leather combat cover is a rare find and makes this a particularly collectible item.

*Condition*
This sword is in excellent condition with a few minor signs of wear and tear. There is no mekugi to facilitate the exposure of the tang. The Saya appears in good condition but the leather combat cover can’t be removed – the press studs don’t work. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQEOOXAAOO_1841185710