Signed WWII Shin Gunto Army Officer Sword in a Leather Combat Cover

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 40 inches, with a blade length of approximately 26 inches. The blade is generally quite clean, while exhibiting spots and scratches, with a small inclusion near the edge, while also displaying a visible and distinct temper line. The blade is without nicks, chips, or active rust. The tang has a single mounting hole, and the tang is signed 'This Was Made by the 23rd Generation Kanefusa Living in Seki.'. The legal name of 'Kanefusa' was 'Katō Kōichi '. He entered the Seki Guild Log on October 26 of Showa 14 [1939]. In 1942 he was given the title of 'Kihin no retsu' when Kurihara Akihide ranked about 300 contemporary smiths. Akihide introduced seven ranks, with the third highest rank being 'Kihin no retsu', or a smith creating 'Precious Works'. Additionally, in 1941, at the 6th Shinsaku Nihontō Denrankai, Kanefusa was named 'First Seat', or 'National Smith', the second rank of six that were awarded, with the first being 'Special Honor Seat', and the sixth being 'Fifth Seat, Up and Coming Smith'. The grip is covered in toned, light sharkskin, and it is wrapped in the traditional fashion with golden brown fabric. The fabric wrapping shows wear and some fraying. Beneath the fabric on each side of the grip are the standard military menuki of three gilt cherry blossoms. The tsuba guard is the solid variety with four relief cherry blossoms, with a single hole for an attachment strap to the leather scabbard cover. The wooden scabbard is contained within a medium brown leather combat cover. The cover has spots, scratches, and wear, but the cover is otherwise complete and intact. Overall the sword is in very good field used condition.