SOLD A Signed Shingunto Katana by Kunihiro a Rikugun-Jumei-Tōshō Smith of WW2

Kunihiro (国広), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – „Kunihiro“ (国広), civilian name „Kataoka Itoshi“ (片岡愛), born on April 1st 1895, he worked as rikugun-jumei-tōshō and died December 2nd 1965. Kunihiro is given as Kataoka Kunihide in Fuller and Gregory. Soshu script signature

Once accepted as an Army Certified Swordsmith (Rikugun Jumei Tosho), the smith was given a regular allocation of tamehagane with which to make sword blades.

Traditional officer's fittings with company officer's portopee sword knot. with combat leather covered wooden saya. the signed blade shows a very good hamon and in now the hardened cosmolene metal preservative has been hand removed it seems to be in around 80% original polish with areas of light finger print staining. a super example of a good signed japanese WW2 katana for the collector

The blade was in stored condition covered in hardened coismolene. Our specialist workshop have spent three full days hand removing the preservative.

To become Rikugun Jumei Tosho, a swordsmith had to pass tests and examination of his blades. A complete list of Rikugun Jumei Tosho swordsmiths was published in Showa 17 entitled "Rikugun Jumei Tosho Meibo". There were also Navy commissioned swordsmiths (Kaigun Toko), but little information is currently available on them.

blade 26.5 inches long, overall 38.5 inches long

RUOB

Code: 24878