Japanese Sword / WW2 Officer Shingunto / Yasukuni Shrine Smith / YASUNORI KOTANI

Description

Here is a very rare WW2 Japanese Officer's Sword signed and dated by one of the last living YASUKUNI shrine swordsmiths.  The mounts are done in a higher quality Type 98 style with Sukashi / open work Tsuba / guard (which has an arsenal stamp. See pics).  Also the Tsuka / handle has a family MON or crest (Mitsudome) on the Kashira. The blade is signed: YASUNORI and dated: SHOWA JU NEN SHICHI GATSU KICHI JITSU (A lucky day in July 1935.)  YASUNORI was born KOTANI KENZO in 1909 and passed away in 2003.  He won numerous awards and made many swords for high ranking officials.  It is said that during his time working at the Yasukuni shrine he produced some 1600 blades.  A
ccording to sources, he was awarded the YASUNORI name by war minister Hayashi Senjuro in July of 1935.  That being said this blade is dated during the month and year he was awarded the YASUNORI name!  This particular blade was most likely produced during that auspicious time in history and most certainly one of his very early works as YASUNORI.  This rare item would be a fantastic item for any collection and study.  Nagasa: 64 cm.  Mihaba: 2.8 cm.  Kasane: 7.25 mm.
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