
 |
**FAMOUS MASTER SMITH**Early WW2 WW2 Japanese Army Officer’s Shin Gunto Sword Possible Gendaito Smith Signed ‘NOSHU JU KANE AKI SAKU’ & Blossom Stamp Scarce NCO’s Leather Tassel Cord, Combat Hilt Cover, Scabbard Leather Cover, Cloth Bag Expert Assessment - ED 2657 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 “Army officer’s Shin Gunto sword. Possible mill steel gendaito blade. Better quality than showa to blades, mill steel sometimes mixed with Japanese sand iron then hammered, folded and forged then quenched in water. This would explain it having a cherry blossom stamp (made circa 1938-1940). Signed by its maker ‘NOSHU JU KANE AKI SAKU’ a noted smith of National fame, won 1st seat in 1941 sword exhibition rated making medium to high grade Gendaito. Real name Kuriyama Kagijiro born 1888 died 1966. Worked as RJT (Rikugun Jumei Tosho) army approved smith. Rated by Aki hide as master sword smith. In original polish showing finger rust scuffing, old rust marks both sides of point area possible blood damage, used in war. Saya is original shira saya converted for field use, honoki wood with leather field cover in good condition. Drag end has wear & tear, reinforced with small nails with white metal throat band. Tsuba standard gunto & several seppa. Faded condition. Tsuka complete and good condition with sarute loop which has a scarce variation NCO’s Leather Tassel Cord with fringes like an Officer’s, never seen one like this before (rare). Finished with a scrce leather cover which goes over the tsuka to protect from water damage.. Closed by draw string. Top end lost some stitching (open). Possibly senior NCO from old Samurai family carried this none regulation sword”. In his illustrations Bill provides measurements of the blade and other dimensions / characteristics which can be seen in image 2. The price includes UK delivery. ED 2657
£2,250.00
|
 |