WW2 Japanese Officer's Shin-Gunto Seki Arsenal Katana Sword With Smith Signed Tang ‘Seki Ju Kane Matsu Kazu Nori Saku’, Showa Arsenal Blossom Stamp, Officer’s Rank Tassel Scabbard With Leather Field Combat Cover & Expert Assessment. Sn 23255 Sword

WW2 Japanese Officer's Shin-Gunto Seki Arsenal Katana Sword With Smith Signed Tang ‘Seki Ju Kane Matsu Kazu Nori Saku’, Showa Arsenal Blossom Stamp, Officer’s Rank Tassel Scabbard With Leather Field Combat Cover & Expert Assessment. Sn 23255 - 23255

An original WW2 Japanese Officer's Sword. The tang is signed on one side with crisp Smith’s name in Japanese script characters. The signature has been translated and the sword assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. His hand written notes accompany the sword. In extracts from his notes he states “A Shin Gunto Army Officer’s sword with good condition leather cover on scabbard. In un-touched condition / original with a blade just under 27” cutting edge. Blade has Nakerishimei signature by a seki arsenal signature specialist inscribed ‘Seki Ju Kane Matsu Kazu Nori Saku’ with a showa blossom arsenal stamp (made after 1938). The Hamon is typical mino / seki in gunome midare with nioi crystals. Low temperature forging quenched in oil. See John Slough Swordsmiths of Japan page 80 for reference and oshigata. Made Medium to high grade Showa To. See Markus Sesko swordsmiths of japan 1st Vol A to K page 350 for reference. 2 men listed. I think this is second listing Kazu Nori Showa showa period 1926-1945. Real name Kane Matsu Kazu Ichi. He signed using combination of his personal name & his art name. He was born 1894 & died 9th December 1944”. The notes contain a photocopy image of a rubbing of the blade with translation of the signature. The dark binding over the shagreen handle is complete and intact and all the fittings are original, correct and present (illustrated). The sarute loop is fitted with Officers rank tassel cord. The hilt’s scabbard retaining catch functions as it should. The field combat cover of the scabbard is clean and undamaged. Overall length of the sword is 37 ½”. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 23255

£1,675.00