Description:

WORLD WAR II JAPANESE OFFICER'S KATANA
Finely-forged Japanese officer's sword, a Type 98 Shin Gunto, measuring 27.5 in. from the 'kissaki' (‘tip') to the ‘habaki' (‘stop'), and 37 in. overall. The tang is signed ‘Gunma Imai Kanetsugu' with a star stamp, revealing the maker of the sword as Imai Kenzaburo (1894- ) from Gunma prefecture, who studied under Kasama Shigetsugu. It was also dated ‘Showa Juachi-nen San-gatsu' (‘March, 1943'). The exceptionally clean, hand forged WWII production blade is untarnished, and shows a fantastic water-tempered gunome-choji ‘hamon' (‘temper line'), indicating it was made with the highest quality steel, showing a tight forging grain; with no blister, no cracks, no flaws at all. This 'hamon' shows some of the most dramatic 'sparks' deep within the temper pattern that we have ever seen, and has deep temper all the way to the point. Must be seen, pictures simply do no capture the deep detail. The sword is mounted in a wood grip covered with white ray skin, wrapped with brown fabric laces and with three brass ‘menuki' in the form of cherry blossoms inserted beneath the wrappings, on either side. It is believed that the original owner of this sword was from a distinguished family, as evidenced by his family ‘mon' (‘crest') that appears in silver, on the brass mount at the tip of the grip. The tsuba is brass and decorated with four cherry blossoms and is stamped ‘5' matching the seppa stamp of '5'. Brass locking mechanism working perfectly as well. The blade is housed in a brown-painted steel ‘saya' (‘scabbard') with a thin wood liner, mounted with brass decorations and a single army suspension ring. The scabbard bears evidence of being worn extensively in service/combat, due to the pattern of rub marks and scratches, resulting from suspension from a chain hanger (not present). Although no other flaws such as dents or bends are present. This is a most desirable example of a World War II production sword, produced by a famous wartime sword maker, and in near pristine condition.

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Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

June 15, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000