SOLD - Type 97 Naval Officer Katana - Traditional Blade

Description

2/28/23 - This is an original Type 97 Japanese Naval Officer's Katana. The sword features a traditionally made, hand-forged blade. This is evidenced by the signature on the tang and the presence of light graining in the steel. The blade has a nice visible tempered edge line and typical patina throughout the tang, proper for a blade made during the "modern" WW2 era. There's some light surface oxidation and dark speckling on each side of the blade, as well as some mild scabbard rub wear. One side of the blade has two spots of darker and slightly deeper surface wear. The edge has no dings or chips, but there are a few very mild imperfections near the tip. The tang is signed by Ikkansai Shigemasa and dated 1944. This maker was rated as Mukansa in 1981 (high level). The tsuba and metal washers are all matching numbered "37" as shown. The mouth of the handle also is marked "37", and the tang shows "37" in dark ink below the signature. Comes with typical WW2 era fittings and a nice cloth wrap. The sheath has some paint chipping and a few deeper chips in the wood, but overall is in great condition. The blade measures just under 25 inches from the tip to the notch, or beginning of the ricasso on the spine.