| Accession Number | REL29649 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Edged weapon or club |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Japan |
| Date made | c 1940 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Japanese Army Officer's Shin-gunto Sword and Scabbard
Description
Japanese Army officer's sword. Shin-gunto standard mountings with cherry blossom menuki on each side of the handle under the binding. The habaki on the blade is gilt plated copper. The blade has a good wave pattern harmon on the edge although the last 200mm appears to have been crudely sharpened. The tang is signed 'Seki Ju Igami Sadahiro made this' and there is a Seki arsenal stamp above the signature. The scabbard is wood lined aluminium with Shin-Gunto mountings to match the hilt and is contained in a brown leather cover that has three press studs to secure it to the throat around the single loose hanger ring.
History / Summary
This sword was surrendered to the United States Navy by an Officer of the Japanese fleet serving in the Pacific. It was given to Lt. Commander D R Don, RANVR, who was seconded to the US Navy, as a token of appreciation for his assistance at the surrender.