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THBImperial Japanese Police Officer's Gunto Short Sword
About Seller
522 South Pineapple Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
United States
Sarasota Estate Auction specializes in a wide variety of furniture, antiques, fine art, lighting, sculptures, and collectibles. Andrew Ford, owner and operator of the company, has a passion for finding the best pieces of art and antiques and sharing those finds with the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
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About Auction
LiveJan 19, 2025
Over 800 lots will be offered in day 2 of our 2 day weekend. There are multiple lots of important fine art from landscapes and etchings to old masters and portraits. We have a collection of sterling silver, African artifacts, oriental rugs, Asian antiquities, a collection from the Ex Managing Director of the NYC Waldorf Astoria, and more! Sarasota Estate Auction sarasotaestateauction@gmail.com
View Full Catalog (933)
- Lot Description
Imperial Japanese Police Officer's Gunto Short Sword. Fish skin wire-wrapped grip, with scabbard. Opens by pressing a button located on the handle.
Size: 29 3/4 X 3 3/4 in.
#8634 .
The guntō was a ceremonial sword produced for the Imperial Japanese army and navy after the introduction of conscription in 1872. During the early Meiji Period the samurai class was gradually disbanded, and the Haitōrei Edict in 1876 forbade the carrying of swords in public except for certain individuals such as former samurai lords (daimyōs), the military, and the police. Skilled swordsmiths had trouble making a living during this period as Japan modernized its military and many swordsmiths started making other items such as cutlery. Military action by Japan in China and Russia during the later Meiji Period helped revive the manufacture of swords, and in the Shōwa Period (1926-1989) before and during World War II swords were once again produced on a large scale. During the pre-World War II military buildup and throughout the war, all Japanese officers were required to wear a sword. Traditionally made swords were produced during this period but, in order to supply such large numbers of swords, blacksmiths with little or no knowledge of traditional Japanese sword manufacture were recruited. In addition, supplies of the type of Japanese steel (tamahagane) used for sword making were limited so several other types of steel were substituted. Shortcuts in forging were also taken, such as the use of power hammers and tempering the blade in oil rather than hand forging and water tempering. These measures created many swords without the usual characteristics associated with Japanese craftsmanship. The non-traditionally made swords from this era are called Shōwatō. In 1937 the Japanese government started requiring the use of special stamps on the tang to distinguish these swords from traditionally made swords. During this wartime period antique swords from older time periods were remounted for use in the military. The first standard sword of the Japanese military was known as the kyū guntō (literally meaning “old military sword”). Murata Tsuneyoshi (1838-1921), a Japanese general who previously made guns, started making what was probably the first mass-produced substitute for traditionally made samurai swords. These swords are referred to as Murata-tō, and they were used in both the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). The kyū guntō was used from 1875 until 1934, and many styles closely resembled European and American swords of the time, with a wraparound hand guard (also known as a D-guard) and chrome plated scabbard (saya). Steel scabbards were first introduced around 1900. Prior to 1945, many kyū guntō were distributed to commissioned officers to fill a demand for swords to Japan’s expanding military officer classes. Police officers would sometimes even commission their own swords, or multiple sets as gifts for the other officers in their unit. To distinguish individuality, wealth, and craftsmanship, many swords were produced in batches as small as 1 to 25 to maintain the legacy of sword culture. Styles varied greatly, with inspirations drawn from swords of early periods, familial crests, and experimental artistic forms that the Meiji Restoration period had begun to introduce. Some examples have included European style silverworking, jade, cloisonné, or metalwork and paint for artistic relief. The shin guntō (“new military sword”) was a weapon and symbol of rank used by the Imperial Japanese Army specifically between the years of 1935 and 1945. During most of that period, the swords were manufactured at the Toyokawa Naval Arsenal. The shin guntō was styled after a traditional slung tachi of the Kamakura Period (1185-1332). Officers’ ranks were indicated by colored tassels tied to a loop at the end of the hilt. The corresponding colors were brown-red and gold for generals, brown and red for field officers, brown and blue for company or warrant officers, and plain brown for sergeants, sergeants major, or corporals.
- Shipping Info
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SHIPPING INFORMATION·
Sarasota Estate Auction IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING! BUYER MUST ARRANGE SHIPPING. All shipping will be handled by the winning bidder. Sarasota Estate Auction recommends obtaining shipping quotes before bidding on any items in our auctions. To obtain a quote, please email info@premiershipment.com. Be sure to include the lot you are interested in and address you would like the quote for. Refunds are not offered under any circumstances base on shipping issues, this is up to the buyer to arrange this beforehand.
BIDDER MUST ARRANGE THEIR OWN SHIPPING. Although SEA will NOT arrange shipping for you, we do recommend our preferred shipper Premier Shipping & Crating at info@premiershipment.com You MUST email them, please DO NOT CALLl. If you'd like to compare shipping quotes or need more options, feel free to contact any local Sarasota shippers. You can email any one of the shippers below as well. Be sure to include the lot(s) you won and address you would like it shipped to. Brennan with The UPS Store #0089 - 941-413-5998 - Store0089@theupsstore.com AK with The UPS Store #2689 - 941-954-4575 - Store2689@theupsstore.com Steve with The UPS Store #4074 - 941-358-7022 - Store4074@theupsstore.com Everett with PakMail - 941-751-2070 - paktara266@gmail.com
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- Size
29 3/4 X 3 3/4 in.
