Description
Katana or Shin Gunto of Officer of the Japanese Imperial Army manufactured by Daido in August 1943. Due to the structure of the Koshirae and the blade we can affirm that it is a Type 3 of artisan manufacture that preserves all its original pieces.
Japanese katana from World War II WW2
The Koshirae or structure
The scabbard (鞘 Saya) is in good condition. In addition, it contains the red marks that were used to match the blades with their corresponding structures.
The format of the metal guard (鍔Tsuba) indicates that it is a model from the middle or end of the war due to its shape and interior format. It has one Seppa.
The opening button (Chuso) also contains maintain the original silver color.
The braiding (柄糸Tsukaito) of the hilt (柄Tsuka) is Morohinerimaki type. The inner ray fish skin (鮫 Same) is in good condition except for a small crack. It also contains the original upper metal piece (頭Kashira) and the ornate necklace (縁Fuchi) located on the Tsuba, both in good condition.
The ring (Sarute) of the hilt is the simple patern.
The Nagasa or blade
The blade is handmade and not mass produced, so we can specify the following characteristics.
The overall shape of the blade is Shinogi-zukuri like most shin gunto.
The shrine around the cut (刃文 Hamon) is Sugu (straight) type.
The pattern of the blade steel (地肌Jiada) is Muji type (flat or smooth)
Countercut (棟Mune) is Ihori type (single open angle)
The blade tip angle change (切先Kissaki) is Chu (intermediate) type.
The tenon (茎Nakago) bears the craftsman’s signature (名Mei) and contains two holes (目釘孔Mekugi-Ana).
The Mei or signature
The Nakago bears the manufacturing date Showa 18 Year 12 Month (昭和十八年十二月), that is, December 1943. The Mei has the swordsmith name Daido (大道).
