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

This is a desirable hand-made gendai sword.  Note the rare blade shape.  This is the first World War 2 gendai I have owned (or seen) that has this desirable blade shape.  This sword is something special. 

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 water-tempered.  

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.  

This sword is dated October, 1934.  Very early.  

The blade measures 24 1/4" (61.6 cm) from blade tip to notch in the blade spine.  

Note the superior koshirae.  The mounts were custom-ordered.  Note the Silvered fittings.  The handle ito/wrap is lacquered.  Very unusual in a World War 2 sword.  The saya is wood with a reddish textured lacquer finish.  

This sword is, in all respects, a cut above the rest.  

The koshirae are in exceptional condition.  The blade itself has some spider rust--the blade can be enjoyed as is, or can be polished.  Just the very tiniest 1/32" of the blade tip is blunted a bit.  

(If paying via credit card or PayPal, 4% credit card fee/PayPal fee added to the purchase price).