J006289 (IJA) OFFICER'S COMBAT SWORD/KATANA.
BACKGROUND:
The sword is said to symbolize the spirit of the Japanese warrior from time immemorial. It came to be regarded as a representation of the samurai’s "Bushido," or code of honor. In the late nineteenth century, the samurai class were all but disbanded, and with them their traditional "Tachi," or slung sword, passed out of common usage. The swords adopted by the Japanese military after this period reflected the design influence of their European advisors. The pre-war military incursions into Manchuria and China inspired a Japanese nationalism that led, in 1933 or 1934, to the return to the Tachi design, then referred to as the "Shin-gunto" (neo-army sword). It was to become the most commonly encountered Japanese military sword and was produced and used until the end of the second world war.PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Nice officer’s Shin-gunto. Good complete hilt (Tsuka) is bound with a brown-colored cloth tape (Tsuka-ito), in a pattern which forms diamond-shaped openings through which may be seen the underlying white ray skin (Same). Golden-colored metal ornaments (Menuki) in the form of three cherry blossoms (Sakura) are positioned above the ray skin and under the tape to each side. Bamboo peg is missing. Very nice 68cm blade, good and clean with a nice temper line. Scabbard (Saya) retains most of its original olive drab paint. Couple of small dents to the scabbard. Complete with sword knot/tassel.
GRADE **** PRICE $
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