QUALITY HORIMONO CARVED ANTIQUE 1865 DATED BLADE**WW2 Smith Signed Tang ‘Zu Shu Nao Tsugu Saku’ Japanese Army Officer’s Type 98 Gunto Sword, Rank Tassel, Scabbard Bag / Cover & Expert Assessment Sn 23716 Sword

**QUALITY HORIMONO CARVED ANTIQUE 1865 DATED BLADE**WW2 Smith Signed Tang ‘Zu Shu Nao Tsugu Saku’ Japanese Army Officer’s Type 98 Gunto Sword, Rank Tassel, Scabbard Bag / Cover & Expert Assessment Sn 23716 - 23716

This superb sword has been assessed by a UK based Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. His assessment accompanies this piece. His assessment states “A type 98 shin gunto, army officers sword with antique blade circa 1865-1868. This is signed on katana side ‘zu-shu nao tsugu saku’ studied under taikei naotane, lived in matsusaki on the izu peninsula. See markus sesko book on smiths p/no 283 for information. This teacher naotane was well known for horimono (carving). His here done by honjo yoshitani. In old faded polish showing a gunome midare, nioi edged hamon, bright but no grain visible. One small chip to edge otherwise v/g condition. Saya gunto pattern, in good but faded military brown paint, only couple of bits missing, nice patina on fittings. Habaki, copper with incised rain drops. Tsuba. Gunto pattern in cast brass. Some gilt left on body, rim lost its gilt but nicely patinated. No 22 as are its Seppa (washers) tsuka (hilt) gunto pattern, in good but used condition. Skin intact, but dirty. Complete binding (ito), has gilt menuki. Working locking catch (no 22) & saurute knot loop quality monkey hands. A desirable addition to any collection in v/good and un-messed with condition knot loop is high quality monkey hands complete with rank tassel in blue & brown for Lieutenant to Captains rank”. In his notes Bill describes the cutting edge as just under 68cms length and overall length as just under 88 cms. He also translates the blade signature and date and describes other blade characteristics and dimensions. The price for this impressive family blade taken to WW2 with expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 23716

£2,750.00