The photos of the lot are informative and indicative, and cannot provide a highly detailed view of the object from all angles. We recommend a careful physical inspection of the lot before bidding.
The photos of the lot are informative and indicative, and cannot provide a highly detailed view of the object from all angles. We recommend a careful physical inspection of the lot before bidding.
103. Kai Gunto Sword, Japanese Imperial Navy, World War II period
Starting price
Pretul de pornire si cel estimat nu sunt preturi de vanzare efective
EUR 1.500
Sold
Pretul de pornire si cel estimat nu sunt preturi de vanzare efective
EUR 3.250
Session
Thu, 27 November 2025 12:00
Brought to you by
A rare Japanese naval officer's Kai-Guntō sword, with a blade made by the traditional forging method (Gendaitō), preserving the spirit of the old Japanese craftsmen. The blade is massive and robust, completed by a scabbard made of ray skin and unique decorative details such as Seppa with the Rising Sun motif and original Tassel.
This Kai-Guntō example stands out from most naval swords mass-produced during World War II in that the blade was made by the traditional forging method, a rarity among military swords of that time, when most examples were mass-produced or made of stainless steel. The wide and extremely solid blade reflects the robustness and confidence required by the Japanese Imperial Navy. Elegance is ensured by highly collectable details: a decorative metal spacer (Seppa) with the symbol of the Rising Sun, original handle covered with ray skin (Samekawa), officer’s tassel (Ken’o) in good condition, scabbard covered with ray skin (Samekawa) and a perfectly functional sword fastening mechanism in the scabbard. The combination of tradition and military robustness gives this weapon a privileged position among naval swords.
Guntō swords were emblems of Japanese officers during World War II. While Shin-Guntō were the standard swords of ground force officers, Kai-Guntō were worn by officers of the Imperial Navy, often made more robust and with details adapted to the naval environment. This particular example represents a rarity, being a traditionally forged blade, not an industrial one, greatly increasing its historical and collectable value.
Dimensions
custom l=93 cm
Description
tamahagane steel, ray skin, brass
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For clarifications regarding the bidding procedure, hammer price costs, guarantee, payment, and collection terms for the winning lot, we recommend carefully reading/re-reading the Bidding Regulations.
For additional information regarding the lot and the auction, please contact the Art Consultants Department.
Detalii
A rare Japanese naval officer's Kai-Guntō sword, with a blade made by the traditional forging method (Gendaitō), preserving the spirit of the old Japanese craftsmen. The blade is massive and robust, completed by a scabbard made of ray skin and unique decorative details such as Seppa with the Rising Sun motif and original Tassel.
This Kai-Guntō example stands out from most naval swords mass-produced during World War II in that the blade was made by the traditional forging method, a rarity among military swords of that time, when most examples were mass-produced or made of stainless steel. The wide and extremely solid blade reflects the robustness and confidence required by the Japanese Imperial Navy. Elegance is ensured by highly collectable details: a decorative metal spacer (Seppa) with the symbol of the Rising Sun, original handle covered with ray skin (Samekawa), officer’s tassel (Ken’o) in good condition, scabbard covered with ray skin (Samekawa) and a perfectly functional sword fastening mechanism in the scabbard. The combination of tradition and military robustness gives this weapon a privileged position among naval swords.
Guntō swords were emblems of Japanese officers during World War II. While Shin-Guntō were the standard swords of ground force officers, Kai-Guntō were worn by officers of the Imperial Navy, often made more robust and with details adapted to the naval environment. This particular example represents a rarity, being a traditionally forged blade, not an industrial one, greatly increasing its historical and collectable value.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For clarifications regarding the bidding procedure, hammer price costs, guarantee, payment, and collection terms for the winning lot, we recommend carefully reading/re-reading the Bidding Regulations.
For additional information regarding the lot and the auction, please contact the Art Consultants Department.
Dimensions
custom l=93 cm
Description
tamahagane steel, ray skin, brass
Brought to you by
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