WW2 Japanese Army Officers Gunto

WW2 Japanese Army Officers Gunto 

-Type 94- 

The sword was made for officers of the Imperial Japanese Army during WW2. The officers' rank is symbolized by a coloured tassle (brown & blue) tied to a loop at the end of the hilt and belonged to a company officer. 

The scabbard (saya) is made of metal with a wood lining to protect the blade. It is painted brown and is suspended from a beautiful cherry blossom mount. The fittings on the scabbard are also decorated with cherry blossom designs. It still bears the original leather covering which is very rare in swords of this period. 

This gunto is early war and of good quality. The fittings are all marked with the same serial number (43) which indicates that it is not a rebuild. The blade in excellent condition with no rust or chips. It has also not been damaged by sharpening. There is a hamon present although it is difficult for me to capture it with my camera. It is marked with what appears to be a seki stamp and the smith inscribed it with kanji, unfortunately I do not know what it says. Thus it still some mystery to be uncovered by the owner :)