If You Want The Very Best Original Japanese WW2 Officer's, Signed, Shingunto Sword With A Fabulous Blade Look No Further. By Kunihiro, a Rikugun-Jumei-Tōshō Smith of WW2., Gifu – „Kunihiro“ (国広), Civilian Name "Kataoka Itoshi“ (片岡愛),

Kunihiro (国広), Shōwa era {昭和}, Gifu – „Kunihiro“ (国広), civilian name "Kataoka Itoshi“ (片岡愛), born on April 1st 1895, he worked as rikugun-jumei-tōshō and died December 2nd 1965. Kunihiro is given as Kataoka Kunihide in Fuller and Gregory. Soshu script signature

Once accepted as an Army Certified Swordsmith (Rikugun Jumei Tosho), the smith was given a regular allocation of tamehagane with which to make sword blades.

A superb, faultless blade, with fine hamon and in stunning condition. The fittings and mounts are all original and traditional. The original tsuka-ito hilt binding is good, yet with natural aging from its war service.

Traditional officer's fittings, with an all brown officer's portopee sword knot, for an officer of the Imperial Japanese Army, with traditional combat leather covered wooden saya, with black sageo bound top section.
The signed blade shows a very good hamon indeed, an absolutely superb example, of a very good signed japanese WW2 katana, perfect for a serious collector

The blade was in stored condition when it arrived, covered in hardened cosmolene lacquer. Our specialist workshop has spent several days hand removing all the preservative, and returing it to how it looked 85 odd years ago.

To become Rikugun Jumei Tosho, a swordsmith had to pass tests and examination of his blades. A complete list of Rikugun Jumei Tosho swordsmiths was published in Showa year 17 entitled "Rikugun Jumei Tosho Meibo". There were also Navy commissioned swordsmiths (Kaigun Toko), but little information is currently available on them.

The blade was to be made with tamahagane and hochogane using charcoal. The smiths were required to use their best skill in forging and hardening the blades such that they would be tough and strong. They should cut well and be especially strong against blows from the side and to the mune. The carbon content of the hagane and shingane was specified to be in the following range: hagane: 0.5-0.7% carbon; shingane: 0.05-0.25% carbon.

Swords made by Jumei Tosho that do not have a star stamp were especially commissioned for private sale to officers by the smith personally.

Three photos in the gallery of traditional Japanese military swordsmiths and a blade polisher creating their swords for officers in their workshops in the 1930's. and a Japanese officer with his sword in front of his men, and the flag prominant, on parade

Blade 26.5 inches long, overall 38.5 inches long

Code: 25922