SPECIAL ORDER**WW2 Japanese Army Officer’s Type 98 Shin Gunto Seki Arsenal Sword With Extra Long Blade Smith Signed ‘ENDO ICHI MON (Or NON) JI’, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 20808 Swords

**SPECIAL ORDER**WW2 Japanese Army Officer’s Type 98 Shin Gunto Seki Arsenal Sword With Extra Long Blade Smith Signed ‘ENDO ICHI MON (Or NON) JI’, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 20808 - 20808

This sword has been assessed by a UK based Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. His assessment accompanies this piece. In exerts from the assessment he states “A Type 98 Shin Gunto Army Officer’s sword possibly a special order blade (extra long), one to 1 ½” longer than regulation length. It looks high grade showa to arsenal seki made blade, oil quenched producing a nioi edged sugha hamon temperline. It is signed by (2 possible readings) ‘ENDO (Endu Masa Yuki real name) ICHI MON (Or NON) JI’. See Markus Sesko page 154. This man worked as an army smith 1939-45. Needing a polish, bright condition but covered in fine scratches and old finger rust in places making it difficult to see work. Scabbard, saya is late war in the field repaired. Honoki wood covered in Hessian sacking, stitch seam with a black lacquer paint covering and leather end cap with slip on hanging ring (ashi) and brass scabbard mouth. Made to replace damaged sya? Tsuba gunto pattern good for its age with seppa no gilding left. Tsuka (hilt) is gunto pattern, lots of original brown finish on metal mounts. Binding and fish skin complete. Sarute knot loop missing and with 2 ana peg holes (unusual) to compensate for longer blade”.In illustrations of the blade which are included in the assessment he translates the tang markings. He states overall length just under 36 ¼”, Cutting edge just under 27 ½”. He also describes other blade dimensions and characteristics which can be seen in image 2. The price for this special order sword with expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 20808

£1,245.00