Katana in Koshirae.

IJA Gunto WW-Ⅱ

Signed: 兼常 Kanetsune.

Kanetsune is a prestigious lineage of swordsmiths based in Mino Province (present-day Seki City, Gifu Prefecture) since the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. Throughout its long history—including during the wartime era of the Showa period—swords were produced specifically as *guntō* (military swords), while authentic Japanese swords from earlier eras (*kotō* or *shintō*) were remounted in military-style fittings to be carried to the battlefield.

"Showa-era military swords" (often referred to as *Showa-to*) were forged to meet the massive demand from the military during the Pacific War (Greater East Asia War); swordsmiths in Seki (such as those belonging to the Mino Swordsmiths' Association) produced large numbers of these blades. Characteristics: The tang (*nakago*) often bears an inscription such as "Noshu Junin Kanetsune Kitae-kore" (Forged by Kanetsune, Resident of Noshu) or "Seki-ju Kanetsune" (Kanetsune, Resident of Seki), along with the year of manufacture (e.g., Showa 13). Mountings (exterior): They are commonly found with the standard Army mountings of the era—such as the Type 94 or Type 98 styles featuring iron scabbards—and often come with officer-grade sword knots (*tocho*).

Nagasa 66.0 cm. Sori 1.4 cm.

Motohaba 2.8 cm. Motogasane 0.7 cm.

Sakihaba  1.9 cm. Sakigasane  0.4 cm.

Out of polish. Sold as is, no returns.

$80 shipping by EMS.

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Sold as is, no returns.