WWII Japanese Shin Gunto

26.875" Nagasa (Blade length). 39.5" with Tsuka (Hilt) and Saya (Scabbard). Shinogi Zukuri blade with O-Kissaki that appears to have been aggressively cleaned at some point, obscuring the Boshi. The blade further features an Ihori Mune with Muji Hada and Togari pattern Hamon line. The Futsu Nakago displays a Haagari style tip, and the Masahiro Saku Mei, which suggests this sword was made during World War II, composed of a single piece of steel and tempered in water. The Habaki is gold plated, but shows a possible forging flaw in the form of a hole at the blade edge. Sword fittings are standard Type 98 Shin Gunto pattern with a wood core to the metal scabbard, and Sakura motifs to all major fittings. Tsuka features a wood core with white same, and twin Sakura menuki. A cord is tied through the lanyard loop. Retailer tags remain affixed to both the Tsuka and Saya.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Very Good. Blade shows some signs of polishing near the tip with scattered flecking along both flanks. Edge remains smooth and unsharpened. Habaki shows a possible manufacturing flaw with a hole partway through each side. Mekugi pin is split in half and must be replaced. Some edgewear and loss of finish to the metal components. Dust settling into the pores of the grip tape. Light dents to metal outer shell of the Saya.

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Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email

Mr. Tim Prince

Senior Consulting Specialist, Arms, Armor & Militaria

[email protected]312 280 1212

Tim Prince has more than 30-years of experience in the field of antique and collectible arms and is a nationally recognized expert in the area of Civil War small arms. A long-time researcher and author, Tim has been a contributing author to two major books about Civil War firearms, including The English Connection: Arms, Material and Support Furnished to the Confederate States of America by Great Britain (2014) and Confederate Shotguns and Southern Agent Marked Shotguns (2017). He was also a major contributor to the recently updated Blue Book of Antique American Firearms & Values – 2nd Edition (2019) as well as the 2010 updates to the Civil War Collector's Price Guide - 12th edition. Over the last decade Tim has authored more than 50 articles on 19th century collectible and military arms, which have been published in such varied publications as Civil War News, North-South Trader, and Military Antique Collector. Since 2016 has appeared as a featured appraiser in the field of Arms & Militaria on the popular PBS television series Antiques Roadshow. He is a member of the American Society of Arms Collectors and currently serves on the board of directors of that organization. He is also a member of and formerly served on the board of directors of the Society of American Bayonet Collectors. Tim is a life member of the Ohio Valley Military Society, the Tennessee Military Collectors Association, the Alabama Military Collectors Association, is a member of the Company of Military Historians and is a member of numerous other colleting groups and societies. He is the owner of College Hill Arsenal, a web based antique and collectible arms retail web site, specializing in the American Civil War and related military items. Tim has engaged in the business of buying, selling, researching, and appraising antique and collectible arms and associated military items for some three decades. Since 2016 he has also served as a senior Consulting Specialist in the field of Arms, Armor & Militaria for Cowan’s Auctions, a Freeman's Company.

Mr. Tim Carey

Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria

[email protected]312 280 1212

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WWII Japanese Shin Gunto

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