Lot 76 , A WWII Japanese naval officers katana, 1940s, length of blade 66.5cm

A WWII Japanese naval officer's katana, 1940s, with shagreen scabbard, and WWII pattern bronze mounts, the tang with engraved nine character inscription, length of blade 66.5cm
Estimate £300-400

Shagreen scabbard has lost almost all of its black finish and is worn down to the base material with joints clearly visible, metal mounts are rubbed with almost all of the original gilt finish lost, blade is oxidised in places and spotted with one or two rust patches, tsuba equally rubbed at the extremities, binding to the hilt looks original and again worn from use, please see additional images.
Press stud functions, blade and scabbard look to be original shape not bent, cutting edge excluding mount by the tsuba is 63.5cm, scabbard 69cm


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £700