Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased recently at a large military auction, this is a very nice late war style mid grade Japanese officer Katana, with an arsenal-made blade. It is in the standard 1944 pattern Shin-Gunto setting, and is dated March 1945 on the blade tang. It also is signed by the smith who made it, KANEMICHI.

A Shin-Guntō (新軍刀, new military sword) is ;a weapon and symbol of rank used by the Imperial Japanese Army between the years of 1935 and 1945. These are not made as carefully or to as high of a standard as the earlier blades, which makes them a very economical way to get into Japanese sword collecting. This is a very nice example, and appears to have seen very little use in combat.

The katana itself measures 37 1/2 inches overall, with a 26 1/4 inch arsenal-made blade. The blade is most likely not traditionally made, as it does not show any lamination lines or grain, and does not have the correct polish for a hand-made blade. It has a standard bright finish to it, with a faux hamon (temper line). Condition is very good, with only light wear from the scabbard and cleaning.

One side of the tang bears the Mei, or signature, of the smith it was made by: 兼 通, which is read as KANE MICHI. There is only one listed smith working at Seki Arsenal using this signature, and their real name is 助川 通 - SUKEGAWA MICHI. It was common for smiths to incorporate part of their real name into their "swordsmith name", from what we have seen. This smith was a standard level smith at Seki, making ;non-traditionally made blades. Right by the top peg hole is a 岐 (GIFU) arsenal stamp, one of the usual stamps seen on blades made at Seki.

The other side of the tang bears the date when the blade was produced, in the standard long form indicating years into the current emperor's reign: 昭 和 二 十 年 三 月. This would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Ni-Juu Nen (20th year of reign - 1945) San-Gatsu (3rd Month - March).

The tang of the blade (nakago) is the typical futsu (普通 normal) shape of the period, with a Irayamagata (symmetrically pointed) tip, with the usual file marks (yasuri-me), which help the tang stay secure in the handle. The two hole tang is also typical of this period's arsenal forged blades. There are some painted markings on the tang, but we cannot make out what they say.

The blade mountings are the typical Pattern 1944 era Army style. Round iron tsuba (cross guard) with no decorations, a brass habaki (blade collar), with an iron fuchi (grip collar). There are two seppa (spacers) surrounding the tsuba, properly inlet for the scabbard lock, which is present and fully functional. The tsuka (handle) has magnetic Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decoration), and an unadorned black Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap). The Tsuka (handle) has an excellent faux stingray (Sa-Me) grip panels, covered with complete Ito (cloth binding), which is in excellent condition, but not wrapped traditionally, which is correct on the P1944 Setting. There is one cross pin (mekugi) installed, but it is most likely a post war replacement made from bamboo. There is a cord tied through the hole in the end of the tsuka, but it is most likely a post war addition.

The scabbard for this katana is in very good condition, with the correct original brown paint and late war blacked steel fittings. It matches and locks into the handle, and is of the correct 1944 pattern style. There are a few dents and scratches, and some minor oxidation, but those just add to the lovely patina!

A great chance to pick up a real Japanese WWII Shin-Gunto with a signed and dated blade, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 26 1/4"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 37 1/2“
Scabbard Length: 28 1/4"

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.