WW2 Japanese Army Officer’s Type 98 Shin Gunto Seki Arsenal Sword With Smith Signature ‘Noshu Seki Ju Kojima Katsu Masa’, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 23687:2 Sword

WW2 Japanese Army Officer’s Type 98 Shin Gunto Seki Arsenal Sword With Smith Signature ‘Noshu Seki Ju Kojima Katsu Masa’, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 23687:2 - 23687:2

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 “Classic type 98 shin gunto officers Sword, a nice, in polish, untouched Katana for the army. Signed on the nakago (tang) by ‘Noshu Seki Ju Kojima Katsu Masa’ (Province, City Living In, Family Name / Art Name, Made This). For a genuine (nakashimei) signature see John Slough book on swordsmiths, page 80, for an oshigata by this Swordsmith. Rated as making low To medium grade showato (oil quenched) bar stock with some traditional forging method used. Well balanced and with lots of original polish, bright condition, few small marks and a couple of black finger rust in places. See also Markus Sesko Book of swordsmiths for info on this Man. Real name Kojima Shichiemon. Born 1892 studied under Kane Yoshi. Worked as gunto smith (page 341). Koshirae (mounts) metal parade Olive green scabbard, with copper & brass fittings in very good condition. Tsuba cast or die stamped, gilt brass with full set of quality seppa (washers) in very good condition, lots of gilt Tsuka (hilt). All original binding & same (fish skin) again in good condition. Brass & copper hilt mounts all complete & good condition. With quality monkey hands Knot loop (sarute) plus working Safety catch locking hilt into Scabbard. If you only want a good example of a classic 2nd war made sword this is for you”. In his illustrations of the blade he describes the cutting edge of blade as 64.5 cms. Total length 86 cms. He also translates the tang signature & describes other blade characteristics and dimensions (illustrated). The price for this sword with expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 23687:2

£1,395.00