Full Polish Army Shin Gunto by Matsubayashi Masashige--Special Honor Noted Seat 1941 Exhibition

[matthewbrice]

1 Japanese World War II Army Officer's Samurai sword available.  This full polish katana was made by Masashige.  This Japanese sword would make an important addition to any collection.

 

This is a desirable hand-made gendai sword.  Matsubayashi Masashige was awarded 'Special Honor Noted Seat/Sword Forging Teacher' at the 1941 Exhibition.  Just 33 of the hundreds of swordsmith participants in the 1941 Exhibition were awarded this ranking. 

 

This sword's hamon is exceptional.  See the photos for a closer look.  This sword was made with tamahagane, and was water-tempered.  Note the hada/grain in this sword not exhibited in most WW2 gendai-to swords.  

 

In 1942 Mr. Kurihara Hikosaburo, a historian who helped to bring out a revival of the sword-making tradition in Japan, ranked 400 wartime Japanese swordsmiths into 7 skill categories--saijo saku (highest), jojo saku, jo saku, chujo saku, chu saku, chuge saku, and ge saku.  Matsubayashi Masashige was ranked in the second highest skill category by Mr. Hikosaburo.  

The blade measures 24 1/8" (61.3 cm) from blade tip to notch in the blade spine.  

 

Note the superior koshirae.  

 

 

CONDITION:

 

The blade is in full polish.  The hamon and boshi are perfectly healthy.  The Army koshirae are in superior condition.  

 

 

$3500 shipped (If paying via regular Paypal or via credit card, add 4% fee).  

 

 

Here is the link to the full complement of photos:

 

https://stcroixblades.com/shop/products/Japanese-ww2-shin-gunto-army-sword-gendaito-masashige-full-polish-katana/

 

 

Regards,

 

 

 

--Matthew Brice

 

www.StCroixBlades.com