WW2 Japanese Katana
Steel, bronze or copper guards. Fish skin grip with wrapped silk. Has tropical leather coverings including on the grip and a leather and wooden scabbard. The blade has no chips but does have some black surface rust spots. Still has tassel attached to pommel indicating rank. Total length including scabbard is 97.5cm. Blade is 68cm. Blade is 4cm at widest point.
Unknown who originally owned it. My uncle brought it back from Second World War.
Inherited
Yes
Dear Morgan,
Thank you for your help and patience. I wish you a Happy Easter.
The presented object appears to be a Japanese "Shin Gunto" sword of a member of the Imperial Japanese Army in the WWII period. This sword which means "new military sword" was designed in memory of the Japanese sword tradition and in usage between 1935 and 1945 for the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy. Sometimes older blades were used in this case we have a quite simple steel blade. The leather covering of the scabbard indicates that this sword was used by a member of the Imperial Japanese Army. Such swords came as trophies of GI after WWII in high numbers to the United States.
This piece is in medium condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 150 to 400 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
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Hi Georg, thanks for looking into this. I have uploaded 5 images of the blade, let us know if you need more. Happy to take more snaps.