Description
Wartime production using non-traditional methods, the blade features a 25 1/8” (63.8 cm) cutting edge and gunome hamon (zigzag temper line). Nakago (tang) is signed “Noshu Seku ju Hattori Masahiro saku”, with Seki arsenal stamp. Gunto (military) mounts, but featuring an older decorative pierced iron tsuba (guard) and bronze menuke (grip ornaments) representing what appears to be some kind of insect. Brown silk ito (braid) over non-traditional textile tsuka (grip) cover. Steel saya (scabbard) with single carry ring and wartime leather combat cover. Overall length 35 3/8” (90 cm), not including saya. Blade smooth and bright, with scratches, spotting and a shallow nick about 6” from the tip; the hamon clearly visible. Combat cover with a large portion of the seam open; the leather generally soft and supple. The Japanese were the last army to carry and use swords on the battlefield. Despite them being obsolete in modern warfare, they were often used in last ditch bonzai attacks or ritual suicide.
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