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It is metal looks bronze or brass. You can see the black marks/paint with what looks like the same texture as the handle but its all worn off in the middle. All the inside is wood.

Incredible reference material! I’m extremely appreciative of your efforts! Tom

Yes Mr. Murphy, it is a legitimate late war naval dirk with what we call an integral scabbard. All metal scabbard that usually has black paint to simulate the leather or Ray skin. They are not very common. Tom

Is the scabbard metal or has it been painted? John C.

Nicholas: There are a couple of Hon'ami kao listed in Markus Sesko's Compendium that look similar but not exact. You might start there. John C.

@Infinite_Wisdumb Not that I’m aware of, however this is undoubtedly the work of Sugimoto Sadamitsu. The style and skill speaks for itself and the signature is a spot on match for several others I’ve owned as well as those that turn up when searching the artist. The gallery I bought it from is very reputable as well, and personally guarantee the authenticity of the bowl. I’ve owned at least a half dozen works by him over the years, and there’s no mistaking the workmanship. Buy with confidence, my reputation is not something I take lightly 🙏

Hi @sabi. Is there a society like NBTHK that provides certifications for pottery?

He took the time to reach out to me with some kind words when I needed them most. Seemed like a warm, genuine person. Such a shame… I wish his wife and family Peace in the days ahead.

Can anyone please help me out with the translation of this sayagaki and possibly who wrote it.

Wanted to see if this is a real Japanese dirk and if so how much. Dont know much about them, thank you.

Ian, Mick, thank you both for the great input! Ian, it's definitely is the plot depicted in the picture! Mick, thank you for the picture from the book! The piece is indeed a papier-mache as it is made of brown paper and it indeed seems to belong to "Japonaise and Chinoiserie (Orientalism) decorative style made popular by the Empress Eugeniea, wife of Louis-Napoloen, last Emperor of France." And in this case it is even more curious that the legend made its way from Japan to France in the XIX century.

I tried emailing in late November, January, and last week. Will switch up the address and see if that helps! Many thanks Lewis.

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Sam "Scogg" has just finished a monograph on the major variations of the Type 95 Military Sword. I strongly recommend that everyone looking to purchase a Type 95 Military Sword read and study this monograph before buying. This monograph can be downloaded via the NMB thread below. Type 95 Military Sword Monograph - Download Section Scoggin, Sam. Japanese Type 95 Military Sword Variations, 1936–1945. February 2026. PDF file, 71 pages, letter sized.

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Gents, Due to other planned Nihonto related purchases, I am offering a Moritsugu Norisada gendaito katana with an Aikuchi koshirae. This katana was made in June 1941 and still has its original WW2 polish. The Aikuchi koshirae comes with solid silver fittings and a silver habaki. The koshirae was made the same year as the blade. The overall condition of the current polish is excellent. There are minor rust spots on the surface, but this doesn’t affect the overall quality of the blade. The ubuha is still intact. The mei reads „Chikuzen Fukuoka Ju Moritsugu Norisada Saku Kore“ “A lucky day in June 1941“ The measurements are: Nagasa: 68,5cm Motohaba: 3,48cm Sakihaba: 2,37cm Motokasane: 0,72cm Sakikasane: 0,53cm Sori: 1,7cm Nakago: 21cm Kissaki Nagasa: 5,2cm The katana has a big gunome / choji hamon with long ashi. The itame hada is bright and shows several other activities within. The gendai tosho Moritsugu Norisada is featured in Slough‘s gendaito book on pages 137 and 138. Besides he is rated as a jo-jo saku tosho. This particular sword was purchased last year from Eric Molinier aka owazamono. My asking price is 3200€ obo plus fees and shipping The payment should be done with paypal or with bankwire. I will use UPS as courier and can ship worldwide. The sword stays currently in Germany.

Unless there was more than one mumei Kanenaga in the Matsudaira collection I believe this could be the $11,4 mil sword mentioned above. Nagasa 71.8 and 1.7cm sori. From an exhibit at Touken World Nagoya The kinzogan inscription states it was owned by Honda Heihachiro Tadatame better known as Honda Tadaoki, grandson of famed Tokugawa general, Honda Tadakatsu. Perhaps it was this provenance that pushed the bidding so high, if its the same sword..... Edit: with further research this is a Tegai Kanenaga from the Matsudaira and not the Bizen Kanenaga that was sold in the auction.

Communication isn't the NBTHK's strongest suit. Try emailing info@nbthk.touken.or.jp It can take a few days to get a response. They do communicate in English. How long ago did you email them first time? Making payment via bank transfer is also a fun experience.