WW2 1943 Japanese Army Officer's Shin Gunto Showa To Katana Sword Smith Signed Tang ‘Bu’ (Military Patriot?) Or ‘Take’ (Shi Family Name?)’ Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 19501 Swords

WW2 1943 Japanese Army Officer's Shin Gunto Showa To Katana Sword Smith Signed Tang ‘Bu’ (Military Patriot?) Or ‘Take’ (Shi Family Name?)’ Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 19501 19501

This sword has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written notes and illustrations accompany the sword. In extracts from his notes he states “A Shin Gunto army Officer’s sword with Showa To bar stock? Oil tempered blade (heavy). It has been buffed bright so I cannot see forging work. Signed with one kanji name? Can be read as TAKE or BU (military). There is an oshigata by this smith or pupil of this smith in John Slough’s book of Modern Japanese Sword Smiths page 169 for comparison where he signs TAKE HISA and also has 2 x ‘W’ stamps on Nakago same as this blade (please note unable to photograph the ‘W’ marks identified by Bill). He (the smith) is listed working in Aichi in Showa period and making medium grade Showa To. Needs polish to see work in mid war quality parade metal saya, green paint finish is worn but in overall reasonable condition. Gunto tsuba in good condition some original patina, matching numbers on seppa and tsuba. Tsuka good condition complete with fuchi matching number to tsuba and seppa. All hilt mounts have finish and gilding (broken locking latch). Only needs sarute loop to complete it. Don’t know why he (smith) did not complete his art name. Same as book definitely the same man as in Slough’s book, same hand cut both inscriptions. An interesting example of its type”. In his illustrations Bill translates the signature on the tang and date (Spring 1943), provides measurement of the blade and other dimensions which can be seen in image 2”. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 19501

£1245