WW2 Japanese Army Gunzoku (Military Civilian Employee) Officer’s Gendaito Hand Forged Katana Long Sword Smith Signed Tang ‘Kane Tsune’ Scabbard With Campaign Leather Cover & Expert Assessment. ED 2414 Sword

WW2 Japanese Army Gunzoku (Military Civilian Employee) Officer’s Gendaito Hand Forged Katana Long Sword Smith Signed Tang ‘Kane Tsune’ Scabbard With Campaign Leather Cover & Expert Assessment. ED 2414 - ED 2414

An original late WW2 Japanese Officer's Sword and Scabbard. The sword has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written notes and illustrations accompany the sword. In extracts from his notes he states “Civilian sword for military use by Gunzoku (civilians employed by the army). They wore uniform and were entitled to carry swords. 65cm Gendaito hand forged blade (says forged in Mei in inscription). Signed by its maker ‘Kane Tsune’, born in 1910 real name Nishimura Kazufumi. He worked as a gunto smith in Giffu. This is the only mention I can find of him cannot find any other Oshigata of him. The blade is in good old polish with only one chip in edge. A very unusual hamon which does not conform to standard types. Appears a bit wild and uncontrolled in places. Hada is also a bit wild with large patches of vivid O Itame. It does not appear to have had yakote line in point. Possible war time polish. Saya is wood withthin layer of lacquer covered in campaign leather cover worn in places. Tsuba soft metal showa period made . Lost its original seppa, leather put in place. Tsuka hilt very good quality han dachi mounts looks Meiji & good menuki. Very dirty brown binding intact. Missing a sarute loop for rank tassel. An interesting example of a civilian sword carried to war (see Markus Sesko books on Japanese Smiths page 294 re smith. Only man using these kanji in Showa period (war time) born 1910 worked as a gunto smith)”. In his illustrations Bill translates the signature on the tang. He describes the tang end as Kuri Jiri (rounded) cutting edge 65cms total length 85cms. He describes the hamon as based on suguha medium Nioi crystals of Martensite, grain mixed masame goes into O (large) Itame in patches. He also identifies paint Arsenal assembly marks on the tang and other blade characteristics that can be seen in the images. The price includes UK delivery. ED 2414

£1,445.00