Imperial Japanese Army Kyu Gunto

26.1" Nagasa (blade length). 36" with Tsuka (hilt) and Saya (scabbard). Shinogi-Zukuri style blade with Chu Kissaki, Ihori mune, and fuller running 25" along the blade to the German Silver plated Habaki. Tip appears to have been polished, obscuring the Boshi, with the blade displaying a Sugu Hamon line. The Nakago has broken off with the rear portion of the blade polished down and new Mekugi pin holes drilled to convert it into a shorter blade. Item mounts a Kyu Gunto style hilt with three Sakura to the backstrap and pierced Sakura patterns over the guard. A spring retainer on the Tsuka mounts to the wood lined metal Saya. The Saya features a single mounting loop, and has been leather wrapped, with the leather flaking free on the upper half. Backstrap displays a silver triple fern leaf Mon. No signature.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition
Fair. Blade has been reshaped after the Nakago broke off. Tip has been polished with some signs of inexpert sharpening over the length of the blade and scattered gray patinated spots. Some light nicks to the edge. Tsuka shows a deep patina with some verdigris over the Tsuba. Saya shows brown mottling and rust with much of the leather flaking off.