Japanese Army Katana -- Showa Era
The sword is apparently made of steel (attracts a magnet) and is 39 inches from point to pommel. My father brought it back to the United States in the early 1950's (associated provenance attached). The scabbard and sword show no damage; however, the cloth holder needs to be re-stitched on the bottom.
My father brought it home from Japan in the early 1950's after serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, and I inherited the item when he passed away at the end of May of this year.
Inherited
Maybe
Dear Charles,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The presented object appears to be a Japanese Gunto sword which was in use by the Imperial Japanese Army until 1945. This appears to be a Shin Gunto type which was produced between 1935 and 1945 and comes with a leather-covered scabbard which was common for cavalry troops. Such weapons came with returning GIs after WWII in high numbers to American collections.
This piece is in good condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 500 to 1.000 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
Georg
Hi Georg,
Thank you for the reply. New pics uploaded as requested! Please let me know if you need additional pictures.
Kindest Regards,
Charles