£850
A WW2 JAPANESE NAVAL OFFICER'S KAI GUNTO SWORD
The grip of black shagreen with brown ito wrap, floral cast mounts throughout, the tsuba of plain disc form with sunburst casting, the saya with black ray skin covering, the whole measuring approx. 97.5cm in length, the blade approx. 68.5cm
Provenance: by family repute, surrendered by a Japanese officer to Commander Charles Harington Pollock DSC, possibly while on HMS Repulse. Thence by descent.
See also lots and 2610 and 2614.
It has not been possible to remove the mekugi to view the tang. It is stuck fast and we cannot make further attempts to remove it without risking damage to the sword.
Shagreen saya cladding is split along seam and generally worn, with tears/losses towards tip. Ito wrap is worn/stained through handling. Tsuba and mounts are all heavily patinated/tarnished. Sword is solidly together, with only minor play in the tsuba and habaki. Blade is tarnished, with corroded patches, finger marks etc. Cutting edge in good order.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
28.80% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
31.8% inc VAT*
