Guns International #: 103279426
Seller's Inventory #: SW2016

Category - Edged Weapons Post 1900 - Collectibles - Asian

Category
Edged Weapons Post 1900
Collectibles - Asian

"Japanese WWII Gendaito in Shirasaya – Signed Kawasaki Masanao, Osaka Army Arsenal (Dated October 1944) (SW2016)

Description:
" This is a World War II-era Japanese officer’s sword with a traditionally made blade, signed and dated on the tang. The mei reads:  ??????? ?????? (Made by Kawasaki Masanao at the Osaka Army Arsenal)  ????????? (A lucky day in October, 1944) The blade measures 26.5 inches (67.3 cm) and is housed in a plain wood shirasaya for preservation. It has a bright polish with a visible hada (forging grain) and a subtle hamon (temper line) running along the edge. Kawasaki Masanao was a smith employed at the Osaka Army Arsenal during the later stages of the Pacific War. While many arsenal blades of the time were mass-produced, Masanao’s signed works are recognized as gendaito—traditionally made swords forged and tempered in the old manner. This example is well-balanced, with a classic shinogi-zukuri profile and gentle curvature. The presence of both an arsenal signature and a specific date enhances its historical interest.Condition: Excellent overall, with the blade in a fine polish showing activity in the steel. The shirasaya is solid and well-fitted, protecting the blade as intended. A high-quality WWII-era gendaito by a documented smith, and a desirable example for collectors of Japanese military swords. 


Price: $2,450.00