Signed 1942 Dated Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword in a Leather Combat Cover

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 38 inches, with a blade length of approximately 25 inches. The blade is generally quite bright, showing some spots and scratches, with a few tiny inclusions, while also displaying a visible temper line. The tang has a single mounting hole, and the tang is signed 'Kanenori'. It is dated in February of 1942. The grip is covered in sharkskin, with much of the sharkskin having dried and chipped off of the grip. The grip is wrapped in the traditional fashion with dark brown fabric, with the fabric having some surface soiling from handling. Beneath the fabric on each side of the grip are the standard military menuki of three cherry blossoms. The tsuba guard is the solid variety with four relief cherry blossoms. The wooden scabbard is contained within a dark brown leather combat cover. The cover shows several gouges to the leather as well as a 1 inch hole on one side, but the cover is otherwise complete and intact, with the base of the grip retaining the leather ring with a closure snap for the top of the scabbard cover. Overall the sword is in very good field used condition.