Finding nice WWII Japanese Naval officers swords is not easy because it was a much smaller service than the Army and most of these swords are sitting at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.
This is a stunning example of a Japanese Naval Officers Kai Gunto Sword, still with the original Navy Tassel. It is a signed by Ishido Mitsunobu who is known to have made medium grade gendaito and showato. This example was made with a beautiful temper line. The length of the blade is 26 inches it is very sharp, is in very high polish and has no nicks. This is very much a top condition very attractive looking blade. We guarantee that it is good for at least 5 beheadings with out the need for sharpening. This is a really mint condition sword still with almost all of the gilt the gilt on the mountings and a nice ray skin scabbard. Importantly this sword carries an elaborate family crest called a Mon, so this was definitely the sword of an officer from an important family, which certainly adds to its allure. If you are looking for a prime example of the sword carried by officers of the IJN, THIS IS IT!
The Japanese “Samurai Sword” was one of the most iconic weapons of the Pacific Theater and it was certainly the most sought after War Trophy that you could bring home from Island battlefields. This very fine Sword exemplifies the revivalist Japanese Samurai ethos that was very much in evidence in the Japanese Army & Navy of the era . The value that they placed on the Sword makes its capture and symbolism even more poignant as a triumph of Democracy over Hegemony.