Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased directly from a veteran's family, this is a very interesting late war "Last Ditch" Katana, which is wrapped entirely in leather. As Allied forces were closing in on mainland Japan, repeated bombing raids destroyed Japan's manufacturing and industrial capacity. Due to this, the quality of the arsenal-made weapons declined quite markedly.
Many Officer swords were made at arsenal, as there was no way for the traditional sword makers to keep up with the demand. This Katana represents a last ditch effort to produce a sword. The quality is not nearly as high as even the P-1944 style swords. The mountings are very simple, just leather covers over wood for both the handle (tsuka) and the scabbard (saya).
The blade does have the correct shape and geometry for a Katana, however it is somewhat crudely arsenal made, especially the two hole tang. This mounting only has one hole, so it's possible that it was intended for the standard P-1944 fittings, but that they ran out, so something was improvised. The blade is in nice condition though, with only a bit of rust in places, and it is still quite sharp. It measures 26 3/4 inches long, and does have a nice curve. Overall length of the sword is 37 1/2 inches. The blade collar (habaki) is simplified bent sheet copper, and the cross guard (tsuba) is a simplified shape.
The leather covers have a great aged look, and have faded to a nice dark brown. There was originally a strap that held the sword in the scabbard, attached to a ring around the handle. However the strap unfortunately snapped, though it is still attached to its snap on the scabbard cover.
A very interesting "Last Ditch" katana from WWII. Ready to add to your collection!
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.
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