Signed 1945 Dated Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword

The shin gunto sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 40 inches, with a blade length of approximately 26 inches. The blade exhibits spots and scratches, while also displaying a visible temper line. The tang has a single mounting hole and it is signed 'Yasumitsu' and it is dated in July of 1945. The smith's legal name was 'Noguchi Shōjirō', and he entered the Seki Guild Log on December 11 of Showa 18 [1945]. The grip is covered in light sharkskin, and it is tightly wrapped in the traditional manner with dark green fabric which shows soiling from handling. Beneath the fabric on each side of the grip are the standard military menuki of three cherry blossoms, with a worn gilt finish. The tsuba guard is the solid style with four raised cherry blossoms in relief. The steel scabbard retains its olive brown paint while having a few indentations which do not effect the ability to draw or sheath the sword. Overall the sword is in very good field used condition. We photographed the sword with the retaining peg removed.