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Includes John's personal study notes. $1485 Here is the link to additional photos: https://stcroixblade...n-yumoto-collection/ --Matthew Brice St. Croix Blades
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Hello all. A few weeks ago I was in Kyoto and I bought a sword in koshirae that I really like. Attributed to Chikugo no Kami Kanenori in it's papers, 2 shaku, 2 sun, 5.5 bu. It's beautiful to me, though I suspect it might be considered a less than ideal example to most. It feels wonderful in the hand, being light, fast, and agile. It's from the later period of these swords, late 1860s. The sort that might have made to take part in the troubles of the Bakumatsu period.... (it might never have come out of it's scabbard in anger.... but someone certainly made it for someone to wear at that time.) I bought the sword for it's hand feel, but the koshirae wasn't in ideal condition, so I was going to have the tsuka ito changed before shipping. (It's quite dirty and a bit frayed near the mekugi.) I'm pretty sure the previous owners used it for iaito practice from the grime and replacement bits of the koshirae. Today the company wrote to me and said they cannot match the tsuka ito, and as I do not wish to change it's hand feeling, I'm writing here for advice. They said that the current wrap is an thinner ito they have a lot of trouble sourcing these days, and (as I've said I don't want to change the hand feeling) they wrote that the thicker ito they can source might be better in a different wrap style. Also... they said my tsuka (shown next to navy blue ito) is Tsumami Maki style, (And as that usually uses a thinner ito they can't source, they are recommending hineri maki style...) but... the photo they sent of those styles and my tsuka... well... my tsuka doesn't look like it's in the style they identify it as. Perhaps I'm blind? The example style seems to be doubled over in ways I do not see in the photo. Mine looks to me like it's already in the simpler (bottom) style.... so um... HELP? So, can anyone help me understand how my tsuka.... can be the top style but look not like the top style? I'm clearly missing something. And can you help me identify the color/material currently on there, and tell me if you know any good matches? I thought it was tetsukon (iron blue) but perhaps it isn't? This sword is so lively, I do not want alter it's feeling in the hand or how the hand grips the tsuka, so finding out they can't match the ito was a bit disheartening. Anyone have advice?
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Type : Katana Ubu Mei : 奥州仙台住國包 O-shu Sendai resident Kunikane Papered : NTHK Japan Era/Age : Shinto Shirasaya, Koshirae or Bare Blade? :Shirasaya Nagasa/Blade Length : 2 shaku 3 sun 3 bu (70.59cm or 27.8 in) Sori : 1.1cm (0.43in) Hamon Type : notare Jigane : masame Other Hataraki Visible : ara nie, small ashi, some hint of sungashi Flaws : no Sword Location : Bay Area CA, USA Will ship to : Worldwide Payment Methods Accepted : Certified check, Money Order, Bank Transfer, PayPal (+3.5%) Price and Currency : $10 500 (USD) Returns Policy: 14 days after receipt for US buyers. No international returns. Other Info and Full Description : This sword is attributed to the second generation Kunikane by NTHK in Japan. The Kunikane clan operated in Sendai and were well renowned for producing high quality masame swords supplying the daimyo Date Msamune and his retainers. The Kunikane clan spans at least 13 generations making swords from early 17th c till last 19th c. Second gen Kunikane (Yamashiro no Kami) learned from his father with whom he worked closely and is considered the second most valuable in the Kunikane line according to Hawley who rated the 2nd gen Kunikane at 70. The sword is in excellent polish and the masame hada is very dense. This sword has a significant heft when held and it always surprises me when I handle it with other swords in my collection. It comes with a single piece gold habaki, shirasaya, and a bag. PM me with any questions. If you are near the Bay Area in CA, you can inspect it in person.
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Hello everyone and thank you for checking. I'm selling my Nihonto collection. You can find more details for each sword in linked topics. I can provide any ownership proof you like but Zoom call with video is, I think, the best option. Asking prices are exactly the same money I paid for each sword. I'm open to offers/negotiation. I'm usually online every week day, but offline during weekends. If needed we can discuss further via Zoom call or Whatsapp. Shipment included in prices. All swords are in Poland/EU so ideal for purchase within EU border (no customs). Return policy! I give you 5 days after you receive the sword to change your mind. If you don't like what you bought, then just send the sword back. If sword is back safe, in same condition as it was sent, then I will give you a full refund minus my shipment costs. Wakizashi in Shirasaya - Echizen Fujiwara Kunitsugu - dated (1632) with NBTHK: 2950EURO https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/53181-echizen-fujiwara-kunitsugu-dated-1632-with-nbthk Wakizashi in Koshirae with Shirasaya - Hizen Kuni Mutsu Kami Tadayoshi (3rd gen): 3650EURO https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/45103-shinto-wakizashi-hizen-kuni-mutsu-kami-tadayoshi-please-comment Wakizashi in Shirasaya - Tosa Shigetsugu with NBTHK: 3450EURO https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/53182-tosa-shigetsugu-with-nbthk Wakizashi in Koshirae - Hojoji Sadahiro: 2950EURO https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/49265-shinto-wakizashi-in-koshirae-hojoji-sadahiro-kateteuchi-style Wakizashi in Koshirae with Shirasaya - Sue-Bizen: 2500EURO https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/52062-koto-wakizashi-bizen-osafune-koshirae-shirasaya Tanto in Koshirae with Shirasaya - Ashu Sukeyoshi with NBTHK: 2250EURO https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/55553-sukeyoshi-thickbulky-tanto-with-koshirae-shirasaya-and-nbthk-located-in-eu Katana in Koshirae - Minamoto Sadatsugu - dated (1941): 1950EURO https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/55890-reselling-katana
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Hello again ladies and gentlemen, today I am offering up for sale a very nice 29.5" mumei (but extremely likely Soshu Wakasa Fuyuhiro) katana! Type (Tachi, Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto, Naginata, Other) : Katana Ubu, Suriage or O-Suriage : Ubu Mei : (Mumei, Signature) : Mumei Papered or not and by whom? : No Era/Age : Early Edo, circa Genna to Kan'ei (1620-1640ish) Shirasaya, Koshirae or Bare Blade? : Shirasaya Nagasa/Blade Length : 75cm or 29.52" Sori : 4cm or 1.57" Hamon Type : An irregular and beautiful Soshu midare-ba with notare and sudare-ba elements. Ko-maru boshi. Jihada : Long flowing itame with masame. Other Hataraki Visible : Kinsuji, inazuma. This blade has all of their characteristic traits along with some Bizen influence as appropriate for the Soshu Wakasa Fuyuhiro lineage. Flaws : A small stretch (about 3") of shinae in the mune of the blade down low in the habaki area. Evidence of it having been bent and straightened. Some tiny ware as expected of a blade composed primarily of itame/masame hada. Sword Location : Canada to Indiana, USA (will explain below) Will ship to : USA primarily, international contingent on laws of destination country. Payment Methods Accepted : Paypal, Cashapp. Shipping discussed below Price and Currency : $3200USD (Shipping included for USA buyers) Other Info and Full Description : Comes in shirasaya with silver-plated habaki. A very nice and very long ubu, mumei katana that is almost certainly produced by 5th or 6th generation Soshu Wakasa Fuyuhiro. This blade is a long one at 29.52" with a WHOPPING 1.57" sori that gives this blade a tachi-like feel (Shinsa may even bear out and call it as such). The first-generation Wakasa Fuyuhiro (若州住冬廣) was an early Muromachi period smith. He was believed to be the son of the 2nd-generation Sōshū Hirotsugu. During 1st generation's life, he relocated from Sagami to Obama in Wakasa Province around 1460, founding the prestigious Wakasa Fuyuhiro school that lasted for 17 generations. The later Fuyuhiro generations picked up Bizen traits and blended that with their Soshu styling to create a well-regarded hybrid style. I predicate my belief that it is 5th or 6th based on all the aforementioned traits and apparent age; however, Shinsa may even call it a late Koto blade. I feel this is a possibility as I've seen some very well-perserved nakago like this one that ended up being late Koto. One important thing to note is that this blade is ubu which is always a big plus! Given that this blade is rather long and is in shirasaya in good polish, the price at $3200 is quite decent. The other thing to note is that this blade is currently located in Canada with the current owner and I am performing the role of estate liquidator. The cost of the blade includes shipping insurance, and tariff/import fees (as of 6/5/26) but may change as geopolitical situations change. Since I am the estate liquidator, the sword will be shipped to me and then I will ship it direct to you! I am doing this at the request of the owner to protect their privacy. There are a couple videos of this sword also available upon request. If you are interested, please drop a message in this thread, then DM me here on the message board or email me at ChrisW7290@gmail.com First come, first served of course. ~Chris
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Hello all, I am new to nmb and a novice collector, so please correct me on forum etiquette and such. I'm still reading up on many nihonto topics, and actively trying to find a top notch polisher to polish my very old katana. The problem I'm facing is that I only understand at a high level what I want to accomplish, and don't have a great idea of how to find a polisher that meets the needs. Can anyone advise on a general process or provide anecdotal experience? To provide further details on the sword in question, I'm looking to polish my Katana (tachi) Sa-Hiroyuki Mumei. I have detailed information on the sword in the link, but the nutshell version is that it was made circa 1350 as a tachi and shortened to a katana sometime after. The tempering, although exemplary, does not appear to be particularly special. However, I believe this banality to be due the polishing, which seems be hiding some of the work. I was suspicious because all of Sa-Hiroyuki's living works feature more active hamon, and are clearly stunning. You can see in the photos in my link the hamon appears to be notare, but unremarkably so. All descriptions of Sa-Hiroyuki's work I've found usually describe his hamons as exceptionally bright and clear. Additionally, the hamon may not even be notare! Looking closely at the grain patterns, I see very faint hints of a more hitatsura and/or choji pattern. I also found a record of these shortened Sa-Hiroyuki, tachi mumei swords which suggests they typically have a more active hamon (can be found in my link, also attached to post). I did have a local expert take a look and he agreed. He also mentioned it might be worth sending in for juyo consideration after a REALLY good polish. He suggested Yoshindo Takaiwa, but upon researching I found he is a living legend (and author of a popular polishing book) and I have no idea how to reach him. Short of him, I don't know how to identify a polisher who's expertise align with the needs of the polish. I'm willing to wait many years, I'm in no rush! I'm aware of some of the basics in different polishing styles, but I'm not even sure if I'm the one who needs to make the choice between, for instance, Sashikomi and Kesho. Any guidance, links, books, anecdotes, etc. are appreciated. I'd love to uncover the hidden historical art in this sword if there's any to uncover!
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Type : Katana (Showato) Ubu, Suriage or O-Suriage : Ubu Mei : Mumei Papered or not and by whom? : Not papered Era/Age : Showa Shirasaya, Koshirae or Bare Blade? : shirasaya Nagasa/Blade Length : 64.4cm Sori : ~1.7cm Hamon Type : Gunome Midare Jihada : Not visible; showato Other Hataraki Visible : Many ashi Flaws : N/A Sword Location : Florida, USA Will ship to : USA, other nations if legal/possible Payment Methods Accepted : Zelle, Paypal, Venmo Price and Currency : 1200USD Other Info and Full Description : I posted this sword a few years ago and it was well received but the sale I’d lined up was unsuccessful, so here I am once more. For sale is my somewhat curious Showato in shirasaya with a plain copper habaki. It is remarkably well polished, with a deep sori and pleasing geometry; I find it to be well balanced. Though it’s sized appropriately to have been a shin guntō, the nakago is completely bare (no Mei, arsenal marks or other markings). I have kept it in the same condition I received it in years ago, and as I said in my previous posting, though this is not a traditionally made Japanese sword, it is a Japanese sword, and would make a fine piece for affordable entry to the hobby, display, or for those interested in the war/related militaria. The sword will ship with an “Aoi Art Estimation” sheet and a full oshigata. I will upload images below. Cheers.
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1 Japanese Nagamitsu WWII Sword available. This Army gendai sword would make an important addition to any collection. This traditionally-made gendaito katana has an expertly water-tempered wavy hamon. This Japanese WW II Army Officer’s katana is in 1944 shin-gunto mounts (aka Type 3 mounts). This sword was brought back by Lt. Robert L. Sayre of the 27th Infantry Division. A copy of the original bringback/souvenir paper accompanies this sword. The nakago is signed ‘Nagamitsu’. The blade measures 24 3/16″ (61.4 cm) (measured properly from the blade tip to the notch in the blade spine). This sword has two latch releases. The saya is a textured lacquer over wood. A handsome braided sarute is attached to the handle/tsuka. CONDITION: This sword is in excellent condition with wonderful mounts. What a fine example! The handle wrap and saya are quite nearly perfect. The sword locks in the saya, and the lock release buttons function perfectly. There are no nicks in the blade edge. The blade has the occasional staining that is expected in a sword that was brought back from Japan 80 years ago. The kissaki was sharpened. The temper line and boshi are perfectly healthy. This sword is guaranteed against fatal flaws. $2600 obo --Matthew Brice https://stcroixblades.com/home/
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1 water-tempered Special Order Japanese WWII Army Sword by Amahide. This fine antique Japanese sword would make an important acquisition for any collection. There are 11 kanji on the nakago. This sword was made by Amahide. Rather poor handwriting--the top portion of the nakago appears to bear a name of the person this sword was made for. This sword was special Silvered fittings. A green or green-blue silk wrap is almost always combined with Silver-gilt fittings–as is the case here. A Samurai family mon is on the kabutogane. The original Company Grade (Lieutenant) blue/brown tassel is still present. The blade measures 24 3/4″ (62.8 cm) from blade tip to notch in the blade spine. As mentioned, this is a traditional gendai sword–there are no arsenal or Showa stamps on the nakago. The hamon is complex–often splitting into two parallel lines. This is a exceptional sword. CONDITION: This sword is in excellent condition. The blade has only a few occasional flea bite size nicks and an occasional spot of mild staining. The hamon and boshi are perfectly healthy. $2875 obo --Matthew Brice https://stcroixblades.com/home/
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1 WWII Japanese Naval Sword available. A WW2 Japanese Naval Officer’s sword would make an important addition to any collection. All military fittings are of excellent quality. The saya has the collector-coveted sharkskin covering. The fine sharkskin surface is protected by a rare Naval combat cover. The blade measures 25 5/16″ (64.3 cm) from blade tip to notch in the blade spine. The nakago/tang is signed with three kanji. The naval anchor stamp is also present. This WW2 Navy Officer’s sword has gold-gilt fittings. The blade is made of no-rust (stainless steel). This katana has a straight hamon/temper line. CONDITION: This WWII Japanese Naval Sword is in exceptional condition. The handle wrap is perfect. The sharkskin saya is perfect. The black leather combat cover is in excellent condition–the combat cover can be restitched by hand (it is likely that a vet or collector wanted to see if the sharkskin was in good condition so had carefully cut the stitches). The temper line and boshi are perfectly healthy. This sword is guaranteed against fatal flaws. $2750 obo --Matthew Brice https://stcroixblades.com/home/
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New sword listings...and more on the way. https://stcroixblades.com/product-category/Japanese-swords/ Call, email, or text to order. --Matthew Brice info@stcroixblades.com 715-557-1688 phone/text
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I've always loved swords and weaponry, and over the last several years, have had the fortune to find two WWII-era (I believe) swords. The Type 98 Shin Gunto was my first real sword I bought, for $500 from a local consignment store a few years ago. Wasn't described as anything. It has a small silver plaque affixed on the pommel (kabutogane?) with the family name of "Terasawa" in Kanji, or so I've been told by users in this forum, when I made the initial post about it. I haven't been able to remove the tang; I was able to successfully remove two bamboo pegs, but after gently tapping with a rubber mallet on the bottom of the guard, the metal and hilt still wouldn't budge, so I gave up. I didn't want to risk tearing the skinray skin, which seems rather dry and frail, or denting the guard. I'm going to try to reach out to a dojo that specializes in traditional Japanese swordfighting, but I'm again very hesitant to attempt trying to free the tang, if it might damage the separate components. I reached out to one a few years ago, after getting the advice of people here on this forum, but never heard back. And just decided it would be best, if I don't attempt to remove the hilt. My second sword is, what I believe to be a Kai Gunto. I've attached photos with the writing on the tang. The first thing I noticed is that the fittings seem like high-quality shakudo, and the blade itself appears to be similar to damascus steel (doing more research, I believe the correct name for the graining in the metal is jihada--it seems like it might be Mokume Hada or Itame Hada, and there's probbaly a different manufacturing technique than traditional damascus steel.). But when I saw that patterning, I was like, yeah, this is a special piece. I don't have experience collecting Japanese blades; I am very much a newcomer, and very much buy on instinct and whim (having handled antiques for years, and being able to estimate accurate signs of ageing in different materials, but having zero knowledge of katanas or traditional sword-making techniques). I paid about $350 for it, so I figure, even if it's not an older blade, it appears to be quite a high quality sword based upon the graining. But the patina looks consistent with antique metal. Thoughts or advice? How do you recommend preserving the lacquer and metal? I've used Renaissance Wax on other antiques, but obviously, don't want to do anything that would risk altering the integrity, historical value, or monetary value of the piece (like, if the Renaissance wax permanently darkened or fused the exposed underlayer of the lacquered sheath. I began removing some of the dark oily staining on the Type 98's blade using alcohol swabs a few years ago, which worked without seeming to affect the surface or shine of the underlying metal, but I didn't finish the job, so most of the residue is still there. Obviously, I don't want to use anything that might scratch the metal, erode any visible graining (this one does not have the same whorled effect as my Kai Gunto), or damage any patina. If these swords contain ancestral blades, is there a Japanese historical organization or group that might be interested in them? Even just getting detailed photos and documentation? I feel like, if these are 200+ year-old blades, their historical importance and symbolic clan importance kind of predates the WWII-era strife. I know these were probably brought to the US as trophies, but it kind of feels like I'm holding onto someone's family legacy. I would like to continue collecting Japanese swords and weapons, but being a total newcomer, I can't really tell if I'm getting good deals or not. Can anyone recommend tips, books, or resources for someone just starting out?
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Hi guys selling this beautiful ubu Tadahiro katana and koshirae, don't hesitate to reach out if you want high res/more pics. Tadahiro is the son of Shodai Tadayoshi. He was born in Saga, Hizen in 1614 and he studied under his father (from the age of 10!) and other great smiths such as the first generation Masahiro, and Yoshinobu. When his father died in 1632, Tadahiro took up the reins for the school. He received his title of Omi Daijo in 1641 - a very unusual honour to receive at the young age of 28. The short time to receiving this title is probably an indication of how prolific the school was in producing fine swords, and the prestige it earned for the Nabeshima Daimyo. Nidai Tadahiro passed away at the age of 81 in the sixth year of Genroku or 1693. His sword-making career spanned over sixty years and resulted in him being the most prolific artisan among the Hizen smiths. Smith Ratings: Fujishiro’s reference: Jo Jo Saku (Above Superior made) Hawley’s: 70 points Toko taikan / Dr Tokuno: 800 man yen (very highly regarded) Sharpness rating: Kokan Kaji Biko by Yamada Asaemon- rated as O Wazamono (formidable cutting ability). Nidai Tadahiro’s forte is his skill in producing suguha hamon. Sword specifications Type : Katana Mei : HIZEN KUNI JÛ FUJIWARA TADAHIRO 肥前国住藤原忠廣 Paper : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Era/Age : between 1633 and July 1641 Shirasaya : Sayagaki by Tanobe sensai Koshirae : Yes Nagasa / Blade Length : 74.5cm Nakago : Length 20.8cm. Ubu. Nakago-jiri is iri-yamagata. Yasurime are kiri Sori : 1.2cm Moto haba: 3.19cm Saki haba: 2.01cm Kasane: 6.64mm Hamon Type : Suguha Jihada : Konuka Other Hataraki Visible : Ashi and yo, some small kinsuji Flaws : Small oil stain in kissaki/boshi on one side (see pic), some small light scratches Sword Location : Australia Will ship to : Anywhere, shipping fees / any customs duties etc responsibility of buyer Payment Methods Accepted : Bank transfer Price and Currency : USD $17,500 Other Info and Full Description : This is a large Shinto Katana with good length and in very good polish. Very consistent suguha noiguchi and a beautiful example of a Hizen blade by the Nidai Tadahiro as mentioned by Tanobe sensai. Sayagaki translation Hizen-no-kuni Fujiwara Tadahiro Ubu with eight-character signature. An early work of the Tadahiro 2nd. The jitetsu of konuka hada, and the clear, belt-like suguha are excellent, and show off this smith's true abilities. This piece was made circa Kan'ei 14 (1637), before Tadahiro received the title of "Ōmi daijō" Length of two shaku, four sun, six bu. Appraised and written on this day in November, 2009, by Tanzan Hendō.
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New swords, armor, and palanquin weapons listed on http://www.StCroixBlades.com. Plus available, but not yet listed, Rai Kunimitsu daito with Tanobe sayagaki. Call, email, or text to inquire and purchase. --Matthew Brice St. Croix Blades 715-557-1688 info@stcroixblades.com
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A finely crafted, historic katana from the early Edo period of ancient Japan circa 1600s. The blade is mumei (unsigned) and has a long, beautiful sugata (shape) - almost tachi like. The shape of the tip kissaki is Chu Kissaki and a very rare ito suguha hamon in suguha (straight thin line) which are said to be some of the sharpest qualities. Ko-Mokume hada along shinogi and masame hada along the edge. Uchinoke, hakikake, small kinsuji, inazuma, nie, nioi, ashi, and others are also found. These are all considered very attractive in our Japanese sword world. The blade is light, and almost wants to tip upwards, indicating an order age than estimated. I have researched this blade, and believe it to be Yamato school - Shikkake to be particular. No papers no backstory just a good blade with some lovely fittings: bamboo theme futchikashira with beautiful Goto school shishi menuki. Type (Tachi, Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto, Naginata, Other) : Katana Ubu, Suriage or O-Suriage : Ubu Mei : (Mumei, Signature) : Mumei Papered or not and by whom? : No papers Era/Age : Early Edo Shirasaya, Koshirae or Bare Blade? : Koshirae Nagasa/Blade Length : 26 1/2 inches Sori : 1.4 cm Hamachi - Munemachi : 1 1/4 inches Hamon Type : Suguha / Ito Suguha Jihada : Masame mixed with Ko-Mokume Other Hataraki Visible : Uchinoke, hakikake, small kinsuji, inazuma, nie, nioi, ashi, and others are also found. Ko-nie deki along the hamon. Flaws : No major flaws Sword Location : Toronto, Canada Will ship to : Continental USA, Canada or Europe. Payment Methods Accepted : Paypal, Cash Price and Currency : 1400 USD Other Info and Full Description : A percentage of my sale will go towards upkeep of NMB
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Hello everyone I am selling my Kanezane katana. I have an appraisal for it valued between $10,000-15,000. I'm open to offers.
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Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, After gathering opinions on here and other places, I am placing the Keicho Shinto katana up for sale. Here are the vital statistics: Type (Tachi, Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto, Naginata, Other) : Katana Ubu, Suriage or O-Suriage : Ubu Mei : (Mumei, Signature) : Mumei Papered or not and by whom? : No papers, but should paper to something interesting. Era/Age : Keicho Shinto (~1596), could be as early as Late Koto Shirasaya, Koshirae or Bare Blade? : Full Koshirae Nagasa/Blade Length : 26.9in or 68.3cm Sori : 0.875" or 2.2cm Hamon Type : A very active, chaotic choji-midare. Jihada : A very irregular itame Other Hataraki Visible : LOTS of uchinoke, nijuba, kinsuki, inazuma, tons of nie and nioe formations, the boshi is different on each side which I find to be very unusual! As well as more activity I can't even name properly. Flaws : A couple of old black rust spots, a few dimples, a few ware... all expected of a blade of this age with so much wild activity. Sword Location : Indiana, USA Will ship to : USA primarily, international contingent on laws of destination country. Payment Methods Accepted : Paypal, Cashapp. Shipping options discussed at time of purchase. Price and Currency : $2800 USD. Fair offers also accepted. Other Info and Full Description : In full mounts. This sword is a very unusual blade to say the least.... the activity on this is wild. It has uchinoke (crescent moon shaped activities) scattered about the blade, tons of kinsuji and inazuma as well. There is nijuba; the boshi on this blade is different on each side with one side being a well-formed turnback with kaeri and the other having a wide 'bridge' of particles that connects hamon on the boshi to the kaeri on the spot, forming a sort of tobiyaki within the boshi. The blade is ubu which means it should do just fine at Shinsa. Their have been multiple opinions on this blade from Mino to Owari-Seki to Bitchu Mizuta Tameiye (often transliterated as Tameie) to Keicho Shinto.... so take your pick! Or it could perhaps be another late Koto school. All of these are just opinions and final judgement should be reserved for Shinsa. The mounts are also very decent. It features a smooth shiny black lacquer saya with kurikata and sageo. The tsuba is signed "Kunihiro" and has a mon on the opposite side as well. Original copper habaki. The fuchi features a torii gate with gingko tree, a monk is sitting under an umbrella on the kashira. The menuki appear to be Mino Goto styled floral arrangements. The ito is black and has been lacquered. The same (rayskin) features several emperor ray nodes, denoting a good quality setup. Matched sets of seppa. The price is $2800 but I will hear fair offers. If you are interested, please drop a message in this thread, then DM me here on the message board or email me at ChrisW7290@gmail.com First come, first served of course. ~Chris
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I’ve collected swords but was never concerned about authenticity, until this sword. I’ve done some research and think that it might be legit, but I’m not sure. I’m just looking for other opinions. I have more pictures, I don’t know how to upload them.
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This is the nihonto, with the "I'll fitting" habaki. (most of it, getting to grips with photos, tech not a strong point)! It's Tokubetsu Hozon (didn't have enough KB to post origami) Again opinions welcome.
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A Japanese WWII gendaito sword by Ki Masatsugu is available. Notably, Ki Masatsugu was given the special rank of Jyungenro, second only to Genro, in the 1943 list, the Gendai Tosho Ninki Banzuke. Published by the Nihon Token Tanrenjo (NTT) and the Nihon Token Shinbunshi (NTS), the Gendai Tosho Ninki Banzuke served to rank what were then modern or gendai swordsmiths. He is also given the rank of Jo-jo saku, superior-superior made, on the Fujishiro Ranking System, a rank that is only secondary to Sai-jo Saku. The late Fujishiro Matsuo san was a Living National Treasure polisher and author of the Nihon Toko Jiten. Therefore, this World War II Japanese sword represents an important acquisition for any serious collection. The tang bears the signature “Ki Masatsugu”. Additionally, Masatsugu crafted this blade as a traditionally made, water-tempered gendai sword. As expected for a traditionally forged blade, it carries no Showa or arsenal stamp. The blade measures 24 5/32″ (61.3 cm) from the tip to the bottom of the notch in the habaki. The Army mounts are exceptional. The saya has the hard to find extended prototype drag fitting with kanji. In addition, the tsuba is the only infrequently found special thin variation. The original Company grade (Lieutenant) blue/brown Officer tassel is still attached to the sarute. CONDITION The rare mounts on this Japanese WWII Gendaito sword are in exceptional condition. The blade has staining from past oxidation. This blade would polish beautifully if desired. There are a couple of minor nail nicks in the blade edge, and the blade remains perfectly straight. The hamon (temper line) and boshi are healthy and well defined. Additional photos available by using the link below. $2900 plus postage --Matthew Brice https://stcroixblades.com/product/Japanese-wwii-gendaito-sword-ww2-army-samurai-gunto/
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Hello again ladies and gentlemen, on offer is a wonderful and exceedingly rare Den Oshu Hoju katana, of the nearly mythical Mokusa school. Type (Tachi, Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto, Naginata, Other) : katana Ubu, Suriage or O-Suriage : Ubu Mei : (Mumei, Signature) : Mumei Papered or not and by whom? : Yes, papered to Den Oshu Hoju, NTHK-NPO papers with kanteisho Era/Age : Muromachi, circa Bunmei (1469-1487) Shirasaya, Koshirae or Bare Blade? : Shirasaya Nagasa/Blade Length : 66.6cm or 26.25" Sori : 1.9cm or 0.75" Hamon Type : A well-controlled suguha with occasional undulations. Ko-maru boshi. Jihada : Long flowing itame with some masame. Very characteristic of the course boulder iron that the Mokusa school used. If you love itame/masame, then this is the blade for you! Other Hataraki Visible : Kinsuji, inazuma. I believe there is also utsuri. This blade has A LOT of activity and is an eyeful! Flaws : Ware as expected of a blade composed primarily of long itame hada, one small fukure on one side, a few trace kirikomi, a few pits. Sword Location : Indiana, USA Will ship to : USA primarily, international contingent on laws of destination country. Payment Methods Accepted : Paypal, Cashapp. Shipping options discussed at time of purchase. Price and Currency : $2400 USD Other Info and Full Description : Comes in shirasaya with integral wooden habaki. This is a beautiful and extremely rare Den Oshu Hoju blade of the Mokusa school, which has an almost mythical status of being one of the primary influences upon the Soshu den. There are almost no extant signed works by this school and very few papered blades. This blade has NTHK-NPO papers with a kanteisho sheet and score of a very respectable 71 points, even in its current condition. The polish is old but with so much to see! It features a lot of activity as well as the presence of utsuri. One important thing to note is that this blade is ubu which is a very big bonus for a blade of its age. Given that this blade has papers and is in shirasaya in decent condition, the price at $2400 is very fair and priced to sell quickly. If you are interested, please drop a message in this thread, then DM me here on the message board or email me at ChrisW7290@gmail.com First come, first served of course. ~Chris
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A Japanese WWII gendaito sword by Kojima Kanemichi is available. Notably, Kanemichi earned the title of Sword Forging Teacher, the highest rating, at the 1941 Sword Forging Exhibition. Therefore, this World War II Japanese sword represents an important acquisition for any serious collection. Importantly, this blade represents early work by Kanemichi. He forged the sword in May 1940, recorded as the 2600th year of the founding of the Japanese Empire. The tang bears the signature “Noshu ju Kanemichi saku kore.” Additionally, Kanemichi crafted this blade as a traditionally made, water-tempered gendai sword. As expected for a traditionally forged blade, it carries no Showa or arsenal stamp. Collectors and dealers will likely agree--about 85% of swords by Kanemichi encountered are showato, so to locate a gendaito is significant. The blade measures 26 3/4″ (68.0 cm) from the tip to the bottom of the notch in the habaki. Furthermore, the sword retains its Army shin-gunto mounts, which complement the blade well. At the 1941 Sword Exhibition, Kanemichi received the rank of Special Honor Noted Seat – Sword Forging Teacher. In addition, experts rank him as a 2 Million Yen smith. John Slough notes in his book: “His real name is Kojima Tokijiro. Kanemichi was born in July 1902. At first he studied under Kojima Katsumasa, who had previously studied with Zenjo Kaneyoshi. Later, he trained under Watanabe Kanenaga. He was a Rikugun Jumei Tosho and had many students.” CONDITION Overall, the blade remains in fine polish. It shows only a couple of fingerprints, which uchiko will likely remove. Moreover, the edge shows no nicks, and the blade remains perfectly straight. The hamon (temper line) and boshi are healthy and well defined. Finally, the sword saw service during the war for more than five years. As a result, the saya lacquer shows wear and is missing in several areas. Additional photos at the link below. $2900 plus postage --Matthew Brice https://stcroixblades.com/product/kanemichi-Japanese-wwii-sword-ww2-army-2-million-yen/
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It's funny how you set your sights on collecting interesting examples of Showa period swords, and sometimes there occurs a synergy that doesn't at first appear obvious. I set my sights on a WW2 Gendai in gunto mounts with bohi, an example with a dragon horimono, another with kanji horimono, a '98 koshirae with the rare patented extended drag, and a perfect Kai Gunto (thanks Hamfish). The coincidence was, all these examples were made by the 2 million yen, RJT smith, Kanemichi. Two of the five have Showa stamps, and culminate with the obviously special order papered gendai bohi example. All examples are in above average koshirae of the time.
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How’s it going all, If I could I would like your folks opinion on this Katana. The seem to read “Bishu Osafune Ju Sukesada and on the opposite side of the nakago it’s dated February 1574. The blade visable has choji-ba hamon but it’s definitely in need of a polish by an expert. My question is whether or not it could be a gimei Sukesada? I have read on other threads that for Sue-Bizen blades Ju should be written before Osafune but I have also seen that there were a lot of smiths who signed Sukesada during this period so could it be just a style of Mei that the specific smith signed? The measurements of the blade are Nagasa: 67.9 cm Nakago: 20 cm Total: 87.9 cm Thickness as the habaki notch : 5.1 mm width at habaki: 2.85 cm Yokote width: 1.88 cm Kissaki: 3 cm Sori: 2.3 cm Id appreciate any help with this piece. Best regards, Chance
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I’m looking for any help towards translation and authentication of this signature. Any help would be much appreciated
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