JAPANESE WORLD WAR II SHIN GUNTO KATANA WITH PATRIOTIC "TETSU DAMASHI" (IRON SPIRIT) INSCRIPTION AND

67.2 nagasa, with classic chu kissaki, gunome-midare hamon line, iori mune, and copper habbaki. Typical gunto mounts with floral fuchi, kashira, tsuba, and saya with single hanger. Saurte with an red (faded to orange) and brown sword knot, which was used by field grade officers. Of particular note on the sword the katanamei inscription "Tetsu Damashi", a patriotic saying that translates to "Iron Spirit". Ura dated a day in February, 1945. CONDITION: Good for a wartime sword. Hada not visible due to state of polish, but blade is free from oxidation and there are no chips in the cutting edge. Some minor handling marks, mounts with some scrapes to bare metal from age, but are tight and present well. This is a good example with a rare inscription. Blade Length: 67.2cm Overall Length: 39 - 1/4"