Japanese Pilot's Short Shin-Gunto

Axis Powers > Japanese > Edged Weapons >

Rare pilot/tanker shin-gunto here. Really neat for those of you who find variations of interest. These measure 654mm as compared to the std length, (975mm). The thought being these could better fit into the tight quarters of a cockpit. This one has an Exc++ handmade blade with a nice prominent temper line. I was unable to pull the grip so I do not have tang pics. It's got a couple surface flaws and is still nice and bright. Blade is seated through an brass work tsuba/seppa set. The tang is secured with a peg. The military type hilt is typical officer quality. It is constructed of a wood base, covered in ray skin with the traditional menuki depicting 3 brass cherry blossoms and all wrapped in a brown cloth tape with a twist. The kabuto-gane, (pommel) is copper/brass. The scabbard is wood based with a brass ashi in place for carrying. It has a nicely shrunk on combat cover and original tassel with one broke cord.