IJN Officer's Kai-Gunto Katana Sword with Tassel

[Mauser HSc]

Recently picked up this nice example of an IJN Officer's Kai-Gunto measuring 27" blade (35" with tang). Blade presents 1 hole tang with 10 kanji character signatures (5-incised and 5 in ink), straight temper line that exhibits some spotting and chips. Oval tsuba with floral design measuring 3.25" x 3". Sword housed in black lacquered wood scabbard. Haven't been able to get the mekugi out to photograph the mei yet but will post when I do. It's the same general pattern as the first Japanese sword captured during WWII from POW #1, LT Kazuo Sakamakai, IJN, commander of midget submarine I-19 off Waimanolo, TH on December 8, 1941 (currently at USNA, Annapolis, MD). Hope you like it!

[BruceP]

Interesting piece, for sure. Due to the painted/laquered cloth under the ito, and to crude saya paint, I'd put this as a very late war gunto. I'd bet a package of Chips Ahoy cookies that the date on the nakago will be '44, if dated.

Thanks for sharing!