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 “ A Type 98 Gunto with medium to high grade Gendaito blade (traditionally forged). In 80% original polish with original signature ‘Kane Yoshi’, a known Gendai maker, real name Matsubara Shozo worked as a navy Haigun Jumei Tosho, a student of Watanabe Kane Naga (see John Slough page 73 for Oshigata & info, rated 1 million Yen man good maker. Type 98 Gunto parade metal saya (been re-painted). All copper mounts in good condition. Tsuba good quality pierced with several quality seppa all matching number ‘41’. Habaki good quality copper base wrapped in silver sheet decorated with cat scratches & rain drops. Tsuka handle very good quality fish skin & brown ito wrap worn on knot. With possible replacement cord sarute loop? Locking catch there but bottom end missing (does not lock into scabbard). Good shape well balanced. Good work on nakago. A good blade by a known Gendaito swordsmith. NB Wood of hilt signed by tsuka maker under bottom fitting rare to see (not translated)”. In his illustrations of the blade he describes the cutting edge of blade as just under 66.5 cms. Total length 86.5 cms. He also translates the tang signature & date and describes other blade characteristics and dimensions (illustrated). The price for this excellent well marked Gendaito sword with expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 22732
£2,250.00