Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased directly from a private collector, this is a late wartime production Japanese Army Officer's Katana, in fittings commonly called the "Late 1944" pattern. These were made quickly and relatively cheaply, using irong fittings and much less ornate designs, making these one of the simpler varieties of Gunto. 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. This is a service used example, which does show some exposure to moisture and use. These are not made as carefully or to as high of a standard as the earlier blades, which makes them a very economical way to get into Japanese sword collecting.

Offered in good overall condition, this sword has definitely seen use, as indicated by the staining on the grip binding. The blade does not show many nicks or scuffs, however it has suffered extensive rust exposure. It looks like some of this was polished out, but without getting rid of the source, it still has some rust areas, which we have left intact. The blade measures 26 1/2 inches, and the sword is 37 1/2 inches long overall.

This sword is mounted in the typical late WWII setting. Oval tsuba (cross guard) with plain blacked brass cherry blossom menuki (grip decoration), and a steel kashira (End Cap), with both securing pegs present. Has a nice brass habaki (blade collar), and two seppa (spacers) surrounding the tsuba. The end of the tsuka (handle) where the blade inserts has a nice blacked brass fuchi (handle collar) embossed with cherry blossoms. The synthetic stingray Sa-Me (grip) with complete Ito (cloth binding). The Scabbard (saya) is steel and in very nice condition with original WWII paint and functional locking spring.

We have not attempted to remove the tsuka (handle), as the oxidation we have seen means it may be rust frozen to the blade tang. We were also not able to remove the grip pegs, which may be rusted into the blade, or simply stuck from past attempts at removal without the proper tools.

This will make a great addition to any WWII Pacific Theater collection. Ready to display!

It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.

Each hand-made Samurai sword is unique because it is forged from steel stock. A tremendous amount of work is dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn a room.

The Samurai sword has grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.