KOTO WWII Japanese Samurai Sword Officer SHIN GUNTO Original World War 2

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Item Description: I am pleased to offer this original hand-made heirloom Japanese army officers Samurai sword from World War 2. The blade represents the opportunity to own a historic katana from the well-known line of Koto swordsmiths Sukesada of Bizen . The blade and the mountings are in Near MINT condition. The sword is a katana and has a blade length of 28 inches (71cm). It shows a deep curvature. It also shows some age evidenced by previous polishing. It is well-constructed featuring a wood-grained itame hada mixed with burl mokume hada. The hamon is a well-implemented and active Bizen-den choji midare hamon of alternating clusters of clove-like peaks. The hamon is present the length of the blade through the kissaki where it ends in a midare boshi. There are many activities throughout the hamon including ashi , yo , sunagashi , and nijuba . The tang is signed Sukesada . Sukesada reflects a long line of smiths working in Bizen provice from ca. 1500-1870 that are well-known and respected. Based on the shape and workmanship, this looks to be an example from a late Koto -period Sukesada . There were many Sukesada working at this time and I can not confirm which generation this would be. A Shinsa would need to weigh in as final authority. The mountings are customized Type 98 Shin Gunto and in Near MINT condition. The tsuka is silk-cord wrapped with cherry blossom menuki. There is little to no fraying. The kabutogane shows a partial bullet strike where a round grazed it. The tsuba is the classic WW2 with a complete set of eight accompanying metal seppa. The saya (scabbard) is painted high quality green. It is in exceptional condition . It shows one small dent with a scratch and then a few small scratches on the other side, retaining roughly 98-99% of its original finish. There is a locking mechanism and it works perfectly. The blade is in Near MINT condition. It has had a light restoration. It shows 2 small micro nicks. There are no rust or scratches along its length. There are a few small pits remaining from the removal of deep rust. There are several very small ware along the blade. This is evidence of the swords past usage as it has been previously polished down after use. The ware exist in the kissaki and down the length of the blade. The largest few ware are about 1cm in length. There are no major flaws like hagire. Given this swords history ? both the bullet strike likely sustained in WWII and the signs of usage from Japans feudal periods, the reputation and history of the swordsmith, and the high degree of craftsmanship displayed, I highly recommend this piece for a collector of WW2 militaria or Japanese swords. Here are detailed measurements for the sword: Nagasa: 71 cm Sori: 2.3 cm Motohaba: 3.0 cm Sakihaba: 1.8 cm Kissaki Nagasa: 3.6 cm Nakago Nagasa: 18.2 cm Kasane: 0.6 cm Terms and additional items: This item is original and not a knockoff or fake from China. The analysis regarding swordsmith listed above is my own and while I think I am accurate, I can not guarantee that aspect as I am not an expert from NBTHK. No reserve so please and let me know if you have questions. I can send additional detailed photos upon request. Payment is to be made within 7 days of auctions end. If payment is not received in 7 days we will re-list the item and file a non-paying claim with ebay. Bidders must be 18 years of age or older. We reserve the right to cancel unwelcome bids. This item is not for sale where prohibited. Please review the pictures closely and ask any questions before end of auction. More pictures are available and discounts after the ... read more

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