Original Item: Only One Available. A Shin-Guntō (新軍刀, new military sword) is a weapon and symbol of rank used by the Imperial Japanese Army between the years of 1935 and 1945. These were styled after a traditional slung tachi of the Kamakura Period (1185–1332), and there were several different patterns they were produced in.

One thing that remained constant however was that the rank of the officer equipped with it would be indicated by colored tassels tied to a loop at the end of the hilt. These were colored brown for NCOs, blue and brown for company or warrant (junior) grade officers, red and brown for field (senior) grade officers, and brown/red and gold for general grade officers. These were often lost during the war, especially for the company grade officers, and those we see are usually well-worn.

There were however those captured at the end of the ware before being issued, and that is exactly what we have here: a lovely field grade red and brown officer's rank tassel. These are far rarer than the more common company grade examples, and we have probably only had two over the years, compared to numerous company grade examples. It measures 19 1/2 inches long, and shows little to no wear, with just a bit of pulling in areas. These were worn by the following ranks in the Imperial Japanese Army:

• 陸軍少佐 (Rikugun-Shōsa or Major)
• 陸軍中佐 (Rikugun-Chūsa or Lt. Col.)
• 陸軍大佐 (Rikugun-Taisa or Colonel)

Condition is really excellent, and the colors are still vibrant. This would be hard to improve upon, and would be a great way to dress up an excellent condition Shin-gunto in your collection. Ready to display!