WWII JAPANESE WAKIZASHI - GUADALCANAL BRING BACK w/DOCUMENTATION

Description

This is a fine Japanese Wakizashi that remains in very good field used condition. The sword measures 32 inches in overall length from the top of the hilt to the end of the leather covered scabbard. The leather covers the lacquered scabbard normally found on swords of this type and was affixed as a protective measure for use in the field. The hilt is wrapped with green colored cord that protects the white ray skin beneath. The ray skin is 100% intact. The golden menuki are affixed tightly in place by the hilt wrapping. The Kashira is nicely decorated and with gold washed accents. The brightly finished sword blade measures approximately 21⅞ inches from the top of the Tsuba to the tip of the blade. The Tsuba is of pierced iron and finely decorated. The cutting edge is with a strong and distinctive temper line. The sword is a very attractive example of an old family blade called upon again for use by a relative serving in the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War. It never returned home … but was taken as a spoil of war and brought home and kept as a coveted trophy of war.
This Wakizashi was acquired from the grandson of a U.S. Marine Corps who served in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War and fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal. The grandson remembered his grandfather telling him he was given the sword by a non-commissioned officer after the NCO removed it from the body of a Japanese Officer he had killed.
This sword was shown to noted Japanese sword authority Mark Fletcher who conducted further research to determine the maker. Mr. Fletcher believes the sword was made by Taira Sada Mori, a renowned Japanese swordsmith who worked from around 1536 to 1538 in Bungo Provence.
Accompanying this sword is a small binder with a Statement of Provenance, a copy of the email from Mr. Fletcher, photos of the sword, and some details of the Guadalcanal Campaign.
8006
NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING