Death-Ace

Hey brother! While the yokote does appear to be slightly erased, it is still noticable and distict in person.

Sorry for the wait! Finally home on leave and got possession of the blade. Hefty one and straight. I can confirm the hamon is unbroken, but with the heavy kesho polish, is hard to take pictures, also due to polish and my poor skills. I am going to buy some incandescent bulbs and attempt a reshoot. There is a few areas of delaminations. Has some nice activities, but can't quite make out everything. Will reattempt! Here are some pics and a few dimensions! MEI: Mumei NAGASA: 78.2cm SUGATA: 8 1/2 in SORI: SORI MEASURMENT: KISSAKI: 1 3/16 KISSAKI MEASURMENT: 1 3/16 MUNE: Iori-mune KASANE: 1/4 in Saki-Kasane: MOTOHABA: 1 3/16 Sakihaba: 3/4 in NAKAGO CONDITION: Suriage NAKAGO SHAPE: MEKUGIANA: Two YASURIME:

Steve, I remember that auction! Wasn't he nihonto777 or the such? A lot of high quality blades, he sold. Unless it was a private seller, I can't recall. All I remember is a near mint Gassan Sadakatsu with high quality fittings with a general frade tassel. The story was that the Marine who found it was taken by a Japanese POW to the graves of two high ranking officers and this blade was on top. Stayed with the family until 2005(?) when it was sold on eBay. Right before Letters of Iwo Jima came out if I remember, but sounds supiciously like the end of the movie, so coulda been after. I'm pretty sure it was right beforehand. Last I recall, it sold for 20k.

I remember that blade! It's a beautiful one. Even though the smith is not that well known, it appears that he made some beautiful blades. Great catch!

Hey guys! Thanks for the replies! I am definitely not an advocate for acid or the "lemon/vinegar" technique as I've also seen what it has done to blades. I get the neutralization with bases, but I still don't like it for nihonto. Maybe modern monosteel blades, where there is no real hada. I will not lie, I have done it with a very worn out blade early in my collecting, but doesn't really give any true effect, I feel. I believe it will pop put if done, but do not wish to risk it. But moving onward! Thankfully, I have been studying nihonto more keenly for the past 13 years. A lot of knowledge I hace gained and yet to gain come from the few books I've had, articles, fellow collectors, and very much so this board! Without this place, I'd have been stuck in a rut with my studies I feel if not for this place! I agree with the statements regarding the mei. The Aoe I've seen seem to have larger mei and definitely not near the mune. If it is a gimei, and not some lesser known Yoshitsugu, I feel that it was placed prior the suriage, and to the side to feel more appealing to a prospective customer than a blade with a mekugi-ana in it. Which if this "hole" is indeed the original, then it would have appeared a smoth signed before the chiseling of the mei. I know it has been done, but other blades we have seen where it disrupts the mei appear to have been chiseled above and below the mekugi-ana. However, blades also have mei in different areas, as we know. But Aoe? Most I've seen of other smiths have been the common "middle of the nakago." Other from the known facts, I agree with Michael with it being a lesser known smith, or an older gimei. The second, more recent mekugi-ana appears to be a older, punched one, leading me to believe the possible chance the signature is original to the blade, real or not. Once I have it in hand, I will look it more in depth. As for the hada and hamon. It is unfortunate that the pictures are not as detailed. With some lighting adjustments (aka photoshop), I do see some hada, as well as the hamon running into the nakago as well as a boshi that may be thinning more towards the tip of the kissaki. Definitely once I get home in a few, I'll take some more detailed ones as I study this piece. As for the health, I agree with Michael with it being a very tired old tachi. Pic 7 definitely shows some worrisome delaminations. Looking forward, there is another one i mentioned earlier that looks to have been repaired sometime in its life. The pits are another factor. Whether rust or rough grain and shingane poking through, I will study once I am home. Thankfully, the collector who owned this before me was serious about preservation, no matter swords, guns, or any other militaria. When I first bought this, I had thoughts of it being Kamakura, due to the shape. But scratched my head at the Yoshitsugu signature, with thoughts of gimei. It doesn't seem that era of Nanbokucho as it appears tachi of the time were more "beefier" due to the recent conflicts, especially that of the Mongol invasion. I could not tell. All in all, it is my hopes of it being Kamakura, even being tired. It is an honor, nevertheless, to preserve an old warrior that made it to this time and let it have some rest! With the recent financial/marriage issue situation, this will most likely be the one I keep if things do not work out. Haha. Even with the flaws and suriage, it has always fascinated and humbled me that such blades made it this far, while many were shortened more and discarded in the hundreds of years past. And was called up one time to serve another, modern warrior class. As such stated above, to avoid possbile feuds, I would most likely take this to Yokosuka with me, as that is my next assignment. Time will tell! Again, thank you all and I will update you more! Y'all are the best!

Michael, I am definitely very appreciative of the detailed response! Also, thank you for the mei references. The only two I could find any Yoshitsugu fitting the time period was one from the Japanese Sword museum and another posted by Mr. Singer quite a while back, but both were Aoe. Once I return home in a few weeks, I will be taking possession of the sword from my folks. From there I will be examining the sword, and will add more as can, plus detailed photos. The seller, a very nice and older collector of militaria, appears to use flash a bit. He had some knowledge of nihonto, so gave me some more stats as possible. The hamon is a variation of notareba. Thankfully, even with the slight chip on the kissaki, the boshi is intact. Unfortunately, I cannot see anything very clearly with the photos and state of polish, although it doesn't appear to have much overcleaning ad one would expect. No mounts came with the blade, but appeared to have been gunto. Unfortunately, my friend/seller, who bought the blade from a fellow vet in 1974/5, got it in unfortunate circumstances. The veteran had died (younger) and the mounts were lost in the aftermath. As for the nakago, I believe it is the flash making it appear more reddish, as my dad has viewed it too and notes no active rust. If there is I will be stabilizing the rust. I worry at first with the rust was it almost looked firescale on the photos, giving me a fear or saiha. With the suriage or positioning of the mei, plus consistent wear, it had me think it may be original to the blade, whether a gimei attempt or as you stated, possibly one of the other Yoshitsugus. The sori and shape made me think possible Kamakura, but with the name attached, I had made a presumption of it being Nanbokucho, even if gimei Chu-Aoe Yoshitsugu, although blades could have these names attached even if made before or after that period. The blade does look tired. I know the photos may make a lil more pits appear more prominent. Other from the noted flaws in a few of the photographs, it appears that there is one longer possible fukure that was repaired in the past, reminding me of a repair on an Uda wakizashi of mine.

Hey guys! I'll be using the auction pictures for now, but here's a supposed Yoshitusgu I won awhile back. Once I get home from deployment, I'll take some better pictures of the hada, jigane, and the works. It was a bringback, but the seller did not know if he brought it back from service in the CBI theatre or the post-war occupation. I can't really find many examples of Yoshitsugu's work or signature references, but what I see of the Aoe school, it appears the strokes and size of the mei may not be concurrent. So maybe gimei but still signed katama mei as a lot of Aoe works were? I do like the sori and what can be seen of the blade. It looks to have been slightly suriage in the distant past. Definitely a large earlier (Nanbokucho?) tachi with a nagasa of 78.2cm. Thanks!

I must say, I always love the flamboyancy of the Ichimonji school. They are without beautiful blades. However, I love more subdued blades more. There is just something humbling about it. I have a penchant for Aoe and Uda blades. At least more Ko-Aoe and Ko-Uda. Looking at nihonto and yuhindo, the photography tends to bring out the best! That being said, its all up to personal preference and TH/Juyo hold their value well financially, I have seen. The era can be a final indicator of what a blade is going to receive, depending on the school amd sometimes papers can have you scratching your head. Skill wise, you can find better pieces in Kamakura and early Nanbokucho although later smiths of the koto era will see quite a few amazing blades as well! With these blades, I will admit, I admire the blades on nihontocraft and look at the Sa as well. It truly is a powerful and beautoful blade, a great representative of the Nanbokucho era! I secretly do hope I win the lottery and see a sale! Haha!

I had some pics when I was stationed in Portsmouth in 2012-2014. I'll see of I can't pull them up. The display seems like it never changed! I do remember a certain collector with high end items (like an unrestored Sherman) woth had what was noted to be one of General Yamashita's swords. Not sure od the providence, but I need to find the old brochure.

Love this topic, very informational. I always wondered about if and when non-traditionally made blades would have intentional/non-crooked papers. As we've sene with Emura/Nagamitsu blades, once given a traditional polish, some come out with beautiful hada. I agree on the sentiment that NCO Gunto are about the only true machine made. Even some of the non-tempered "showato" had some form of hands-on creating. A good point was brought up about Kanbun blades or even Mikasa-to. Traditional made, but not traditional steel. Surely noted on papers, but still steel nonethelees. Does the material make a difference if the technique is the same? Some say yes or no, but I consider a FULLY traditionally made sword made with all Japanese materials. Just like how provinces of old had their own. I'm half-Filipino, but I'm not joining every Filipino society out there claiming the superiority of lumpia or spring rolls. Koa-Isshin is considered by some as the pinnacle of the Japanese combat sword. Some examples seem to have a hada after a polish that does much wear to stones. But maybe this is just a ploy depending on the togishi or other "polisher." As a military artifact, preserve. As art, what art? Mechanical art, maybe. This makes me think. I just started writing an article comparing nihonto to closest firearm it could compare to, the ETO equivalent Luger. Lugers were made for 45 years prior to the last German surrender with all variations and some quality changes. And there are still some made by companies/individuals. DWM and Krieghoffs are the most beautifully fit and finished, and even then, all lugers were "handmade!" We attempt to resist refinish/rearsenal depending on condition, but the rust blue, fire-blued, amd strawed parts are beyond reproach. They are as much a weapon as they are mechanical pieces of art in this day and age. And depending on who, factory or private engravings are make it even more so. All the same, look at old Colts, some look butt ugly/machines, but add some engraving, and man are they purty! It is agreed, that while Nihonto/Lugers are now considered pieces of art, all had the purpose of being able to be utilized (some today, ie: reblued luger/remounted "common" gendaito). Of course, I wouldn't want to use a mint Ko-Bizen Tachi or a Mint 1936 Krieghoff P.08! Or a pistol with enough engraving to damn near ruin the structure or an engraved alloy pistol. What matters now is preservation and separation. All were weapons, military or civilian, presentation or Most kazuuchimono won't cut it to be called art, even though looking at some Uda blades, even with the rough forging in quite a few Muromachi examples, it is a treat. All deserve to be enjoyed, just be sure what it is you are enjoying and classify it ad is or both if warranted.

As a starter, there are two blades I wish I had never parted with or least saw through: An early uchigatana and and Kurihara Nobuhide (most likely gimei but was stout and long!) I had. That being said, these are the worst stories I've personally experienced: 1) My first two "katana" were two Chinese fakes emulating a tachi and a gunto. As a 10 year old kid, I was happy, but after a short amount of time, I realized how dumb I felt, lol. 2) Before I enlisted, I ran ads for WWII militaria. One guy noted that he had a short blade picked up from the war by his grandfather. Even though the photos he sent were blurry, I noted a possibly very wavy "hamon through the patina." But the only photos were of the blade, and not the mounts Thinking maybe it was a nice Shinto ko-wakizashi, I set up an appt. He brought it in and the first thing I noticed was that the "tsuka" was two pinned pieces of wood, not unlike some hunting knives. Even though I figured, maybe even though the nakago is damaged, could still be a decent study piece for a price. The saya was damaged with a missing kozuka, but was the ribbed design. After pulling out the blade, I was in shock. The "hamon" was just a very very recent grinding by sandpaper made by the grandson shortly before he put it for sale. Was light, but still there and it reached towards the shinogi. The rest of the blade was pure black from patina was a couple of tiny chips in the ha. According to him, his grandfather used it as a weedwhacker and finally put it away for a machete that did a better job. The handle was made when the tsuka had broken and he threw that away along with the habaki ("some brass collar") so that he had an extra inch to work with. The tsuba was misplaced and never found. After looking at it, I figured it was trashed but I still thought about buying it if not to just be a reminder of blades of what happened to quite a few of the blades that made it here and give the old girl a retirement home. He said 100, and I said I couldn't since it was most likely destroyed beyond repair. After a bit of haggling he started to leave and he asked if I could take 75. I said no, but a few days later he offered it for 50 which I responded the same. In all honesty, I do wish I did buy it for the saya and to give the blade a rest, especially to take the "tsuka off" and have a look see. 2) I was at a gun show in Raleigh, NC when I was stationed at Lejeune and had brought in an early T94 Nambu with two matching magazines and holster brought back by a Marine. It was only for show and tell, but at the table of one dealer I had bpught from before, I noted a blade in civilian/gunto mounts. It was missing the leather saya cover, but had a very nice, wide suguha and itame hada. Was also a beefy and longish blade at about 27". It had a little bit of rust, especially on the kissaki, but I was in love. I hated to do it, but I did a trade with the T94, which was also rusty as all get out. Getting to my car, the first thing I did was take off the tsuka with a sword care set and it appeared it hadn't been off at least since "45, the nakago looking new with a well cut nakago. I did get info of the two character mei, and was happy. After heading home, I had taken the time to take a close look under the sunlight where I found not one...but two hagire in the middle of the ha. 3) Not so personal, but my family runs an estate sale/antiquing business on the side. I do/did get a quite a few pieces for my collection of militaria and such from that by giving the family what something was worth or dealing. Unfortunately, especially for the sale, many people do not honor the contract to not take anything from the estate after signing since that was for the sale. Most with the "I forgot something sentimental" after we pulled something from the attic or such which was normally the high priced items. Moving on, my folks pulled a sword from the attic from a Marine's estate that he brought back from his time in the China occupation. According to them, it was in the T-98 but was high quality with a field grade tassel, a beautiful blade with a "slightly wavy tempering pattern' and a silver foil habaki. Blade also had a nice "curve to it." They were tired so they placed the blade to the side to take pictures later and see if I wanted to make an offer or such. The next day, it was gone. Grandson said it was sentimental, but left a lot of the vet's personal letters, uniforms, etc behind. Kicker is that it along with a few other things had been up there since '46 when he returned. While some may think it selfish, we do tend to bring some higher priced items home for research (as we do everything we are sure or unsure of as well) and to ensure it isn't taken before the sale. However, we do ask the individual/family we are contracting with if there is anything they are missing that we will find and give to them before the signing of the contract.

I could have sworn a kokuho tanto was found recently on a veteran's mantle?

This guy seems to always have "nice" things. Its a shame though, looks like there are a few blades that would still be collectors items or at least preserved if he didn't work his magic. The amount of "extra" parts he has disturbs me on how many he's mismatched. Now it's like he came up with these WWII Seikoshas out of nowhere too. Hate to see what would happen if he came across some decent Nambus... I'll be close to him when I get home for leave, I really want to see ehat he says about his "treasures" lol.

This guy seems to always have "nice" things. Its a shame though, looks like there are a few blades that would still be collectors items or at least preserved if he didn't work his magic. The amount of "extra" parts he has disturbs me on how many he's mismatched. Now it's like he came up with these WWII Seikoshas out of nowhere too. Hate to see what would happen if he came across some decent Nambus... I'll be close to him when I get home for leave, I really want to see ehat he says about his "treasures" lol.

Really love this discussion and the swords being presented! I've had three wakizashi mounted for the war. The first was one in Edo Period mounts with a low quality "leather" (seemed more like pressed paper) cover for the saya. The nagasa was 22in, but was a real low quality koto kazuuchimono. The 2nd was a Kashu Nagatsugu blade in a custom T98 koshirae with light green tsuka-ito and a bumpy laquered saya of the same color. The nagasa was 22.5in and a 5.5in ubu nakago, if I can recall. Fully enough, the blade was mounted like a katana, which gives the evidence of shorter blades mounted as such for appearance or other purposes. http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/21849-kashu-ju-fujiwara-nagatsugu-o-wakizashi-in-type-98-mounts/ My 3rd and only blade left is a Uda/Ko-Uda wakizashi with a 19.5in nagasa and 4.5in osuriage nakago. Appears that have been done either right before the war or during the end of the Edo Period. Funny enough, the slots for the kozuka/kogatana, kurigata, and kaeshizuno have perfectly fitted wood inserts to smoothen it out. The ashi is gone, but the leather cover and leather tab on the fuchi remain. http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/22994-militaria-show-wakizashi/ It is amazing what differemces there are and the wakizashi that have gone to war give nearly as much variety as their longer counterparts!

Appreciate it,Ray! That is a lovely blade, Curran!

I hear you, Ray. The blade I have awaiting polish is about the same as yours was. Its health for a possible Ko-Uda. Thankfully, it seems blades like yours and others didn't see too hard a life and taken well care of. For the blade that was for sale, was there any news if it has been sent for a polish yet, by chance?

Forgot about this one! I was too slow to grab it, haha.

A great smith and person lost. My condolences to the family. A father should never have to bury his son! All the best, Lev

Been in contact with the seller. Really nice guy. Turns out the blade had a hagire, so that's why he took it off.

Very true statement. Usually this seller does get it right and although has quite a few "rough diamonds," has quite a few good ones that pop it. I missed out on a Ko-Uda in T98 mounts last year when I had money and kick myself for it.

Agreed with the poor condition. Figured if it went cheap enough, might be worth getting. The only thing that was really very bothersome was the pitting on the kissaki.

I won't lie. I was bout to post on it, and had actually been watching and bidding on it and all of a sudden, it's gone! Haha.

Like a good "neeeeeigh"bor,Aoi Art is there!

I saw this and was thinking about posted it for laughs! He did have a good Takahashi Yoshimune that I bidded on a few months ago when money was good, but other from that, just stuff like this unfortunately.