SC0050
Japanese Army officer`s sword in type 98 Ray skin mountings.
The blade is signed "Kanekiyo, dated "Showa Juyo-nen Ku-gatsu (Sep. ca.1939) with inspection stamp on the tang, early WWll time period made traditional hand forged blade. Kanekiyo lived in Seki city, Gifu prefectuer, made swords as a Gendai smith during WWll time period.
The blade is in old polish, shows fine scratches on surface but no rust and in good condition. The temper line is wavy chu-suguha temper with ko-nie (chrystal) active pattern throughout the blade and has o-maru temper at the point. The forging grain is tight itame-hada and no forging flaws at all. There is no bend, no nick, no crack and cutting edge is sharp. The scabbard is ray-skin covered wood scabbard, covered or added with copper plate at the bottom part, no dent, no bend, no crack and in good condition.
The handle is tight fit, tsuka-ito wrapping is little loose and in one menuki is not presented. The lock mechanism works fine. The tsuba and seppa are all original and no number stamped. The blade measures 27+1/4" tip to the guard, 26+3/8" cutting edge, 1+1/8" width, 7mm thickness at the notch and 39" in mountings
SPECIAL NOTE: Rayskin scabbards are usually made for Naval Officer Swords and very rarely made for Army Officer unless the person is important or someone wealthy who can afford the extra cost.
This is the 2nd physical piece that I have encountered over the years.
Price : NOT FOR SALE