MINT POLISH**WW2 Kai Gunto Japanese Navy Officer’s Tachi Sword With Taiseiko Stainless Steel Blade Smith Signed ‘HIRO TOSHI SAKU’ & Toyokawa Naval Arsenal Anchor Mark, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 21256 Swords

**MINT POLISH**WW2 Kai Gunto Japanese Navy Officer’s Tachi Sword With Taiseiko Stainless Steel Blade Smith Signed ‘HIRO TOSHI SAKU’ & Toyokawa Naval Arsenal Anchor Mark, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 21256 - 21256

This sword has been assessed by a UK based Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. His assessment accompanies this piece. In exerts from the assessment he states “Kai Gunto Navy officer’s tachi with a type of Taiseiko stainless steel blade, with anchor in circle stamp. The mark of Toyokawa Naval Arsenal. A lot of these swords were sold by the Naval officer’s association / club. The blade is Abura Yaki-Ire (oil hardened) with fake hamon put on with stone (not traditionally). In practically mint original polish signed ‘HIRO TOSHI SAKU’ Artisan working for Navy Arsenal only one mentioned in my books). Kosherai mounts are mid war quality, Tsuka, not wrapped in fish skin but black hessian with original cord knot loop. Lighter stamped fittings with more of a wash than gilding complete binding. Tsuba & O seppa all steel with dark finish (instead of bronze) all marked ‘242’ a set. Saya is wood wrapped in fish skin and polished metal fittings. It is missing its slide on seme gane & bottom fitting (saya jiri). In reasonable condition for its age. A nice example getting harder to find Navy swords” In his illustrations he translates the Smith signature as above. He describes the cutting edge length as 66 cms and the overall length as just under 86 cms. He also describes other blade characteristics and measurements which can be read in the images. The price for this nicely marked Japanese WW2 Naval Officer’s sword with expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 21256

£1,475.00