Japanese sword in WW2 fittings. Hand forged.Foul weather guard on scabbard. Leather locking latch on handle. Sword is in very good condition. Signed Kane Mune. Very old tsuba on sword. The sword has a very deep sori (curve). The sword in the picture on the left is not for sale, just the sword with the deep sori on the right.
During World War II, many Japanese swords (katana, wakizashi, or guntō) were remounted with military-style fittings for use by officers. These fittings were often utilitarian but could vary greatly in quality, depending on the rank of the officer and the origin of the blade.
Foul Weather Guard on Scabbard (Saya):
A weatherproof cover or guard for the scabbard, designed to protect the sword from rain or snow. During WWII, Japanese officers sometimes used leather or canvas coverings over their scabbards to protect the blade from moisture, especially in harsh or tropical environments.
Leather Locking Latch on Handle (Tsuka):
A locking mechanism typical of WWII-era officer swords, known as guntō. These swords often had a retention latch (leather or metal) on the tsuka (handle) to secure the blade in the scabbard when not in use. This was a practical feature for military use, ensuring the sword didn't accidentally slip out during movement or combat.
Deep Sori (Curve):
A deep sori refers to a pronounced curve in the blade, which is characteristic of older Japanese swords, especially those from the Kamakura (1185–1333) or Muromachi (1336–1573) periods. Blades with a deeper sori are typically associated with earlier sword-making styles, and this feature often makes the blade more desirable to collectors.