Minatogawa Shrine Swords

[Bruce Pennington]

Reading the book "A Tomb Called Iwo Jima", written from interviews with several Japanese soldiers, sailors, and airmen who were on Iwo at various stages. One of the interviewees stopped by the Minotogawa shrine on his way to shipping out, and the author noted the significance of the shrine and the adoption of the Kikusui crest by the navy:

 

"They hefted their sea bags for the ten-minute walk to the grave of Masashige Kusunoki (1294-1336), located inside Minatogawa Jinja Shrine. They entered the main gate, and headed to the right to pay their respects at Kusunoki's grave. Kusunoki was a 14th-century samurai who gained fame for his support of the Emperor Go-Daigo during a one-sided, losing battle at Minatogawa River in 1336. This battle gave birth to his phrase, "But that I had seven lives to give to the Emperor."[18] The Japanese military used the Kusunoki family crest of a mum floating on water, called Kikusui, as a symbol of devotion and self-sacrifice. The Navy adopted Minatogawa Jinja as their patron shrine."

[brannow]

I will buy all the Minotogawa shrine swords I can for 4000-5000!
 

[reeder]

Nice.

[IJASWORDS]

Bill I will see you and raise you a grand . (poker talk). 

[brannow]

Neil you think we would have people tripping over each other to sell us these swords for 6-7k!

[PNSSHOGUN]

More people looking to buy than sell on those!

[Bruce Pennington]

1944vMasaaki for sale HERE.  Opening bid only $11,000!!!  The tsuka isn't in good shape, even.

 

[DTM72]

I noticed, at the bottom of the listing, reserve is set at $14,500!

[DRDave]

On 12/25/2023 at 11:24 AM, Bruce Pennington said:

1944vMasaaki for sale HERE.  Opening bid only $11,000!!!  The tsuka isn't in good shape, even.

Avoid the auction fees by buying direct from the seller here .  

[PNSSHOGUN]

The same Masaaki sword recently sold on Yahoo.jp for roughly 7000usd.

 

https://page.auction...p/auction/1117218835

[Marcin]

Resurrection.
Masanao, mei looks good.

What about navy mountings?

Especially this habaki … extra securing cord so no chuso.

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/232884798_militaria-signed-minatogawa-shrine-katana-masanao-larchmont-ny

Description

A traditionally mounted Japanese katana forged at the Minatogawa Shrine and signed by the sword smith Masanao. The tang bears the inscription "Showa 19, April day" (April 1944), alongside "Minatogawa Jinja Masanao" and the Kikusui mon (chrysanthemum over water crest), emblematic of the Minatogawa Shrine smiths and closely associated with the Imperial Japanese Navy. The copper habaki is finely engraved "Yokosuka Chinju-fu – Naval District Headquarters" and "Shirei-chokan – Commander-in-Chief," further embellished with an additional Kikusui mon to the opposing side, indicating presentation or special naval association. The blade is mounted in wartime Gunto koshirae. Accompanied by a mon-iri katana-bukuro (family crest sword bag) and a Navy Kai Gunto Tassel. From a Riverdale, NY estate. Dimensions: cutting edge measures approx. 25.50" The overall length with handle is 36" in length.

For quick yet detailed comparison:

https://www.samuraisword.com/gallery/swords/minatogawa-masanao/

Cheers.

[Bruce Pennington]

Yes, habaki is quite unique, but I don't see anything questionable.  Looks legit.

[Marcin]

2 minutes ago, Bruce Pennington said:

Yes, habaki is quite unique, but I don't see anything questionable.  Looks legit.

Late war so it explains poor quality, yet this seppa with fuchi and overall typical low grade arsenal type is disturbing.

[Bruce Pennington]

I see what you mean.  For such a special sword (by the engraved habaki), it seems odd to have used poor quality late-war fittings.  Quality fittings were still being found all the way to the end of the war.

 

On another note, I have another Masanao on file, with kikusui, dated Sep '43 in nice quality fittings, but still using the 1 piece fuchi/seppa.  Although, the tsuka seems to have no rayskin, but lacquered wood instead.