SUPERIOR MASTER SMITH**GENDAITO HAND FORGED BLADE**WW2 1941 Dated Japanese Army Officer’s Type 98 Shin Gunto Sword Signed ‘Hizen Ju Kuni Mitsu’, Rank Tassel, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. ED 3038 Sword

**SUPERIOR MASTER SMITH**GENDAITO HAND FORGED BLADE**WW2 1941 Dated Japanese Army Officer’s Type 98 Shin Gunto Sword Signed ‘Hizen Ju Kuni Mitsu’, Rank Tassel, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. ED 3038 - ED 3038

This sword has been assessed by a UK based Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. His assessment accompanies this piece. In the assessment he states “ A Type 98 shin gunto, army officer’s sword. With a traditionally forged blade signed ‘Hizen Ju Kuni Mitsu’ & dated June 1941 real name Shibata Tsuneo born 1895. Studied under Kuri Hada Aki Hide. Worked as army approved swordsmith (rikugun jumei tosho) and rated as JokomNo Joi= Superior Master. 5th Seat in Swordsmith competition 1941 (photo & information see Markus Sesko book/list of smiths. Page No. 440). In good old polish some scratches & marks. Scabbard, gunto pattern metal parade with fitted patinated copper mounts. One hanging ring (ashi). 98% paint green in good condition. Hand guard (tsuba) cast brass gunto pattern some original gilding with seppa matching number 72. Handle (tsuka) gunto pattern in very good condition overall complete brown ito wrap & 2 menuki cherry blossoms. Skin is wartime plastic used for wartime shortages. Working safety catch & knot loop sarute with quality Monkey hans (rare now). Finished with blue & brown Lt to Capt rank tassel in good condition. A genuine un-messed with type 98 sword with hand forged gendaito blade by known smith rated master”. In his drawings of the blade he describes the cutting edge as 65.5 cms length and overall length 86.5 cms, he also translates the tang signature, date, arsenal assembly marks & describes other blade measurements & characteristics (illustrated in image 2). The price includes UK delivery. ED 3038

£1,975.00