Kai Gunto- Taira Sadashige

[Matsunoki]

Greetings from the UK

This is my first Kai Gunto, a recent purchase. I’m posting as usual for all/any comments and opinions. I believe the Mei reads Yoshu   Saigo ju Taira Sadashige and dated Showa 17. Please correct me! 
It has definitely “had a life”. The lacquered wood saya has many knocks (bulkhead doors?!) ,  the gilt finish to the fittings is worn (areas of green corrosion when  I acquired it) but it has a fitting to the saya mouth that I’ve never seen before….can anyone please tell me what the inscription thereon says? Also the tsuka seam has been reinforced with brass sheeting under the Ito. The Nagasa is 69cm but as usual the hamon and hada are nearly impossible to image. The polish is tired with some stains etc. I’ve done my best! It’s what I would call an “untouched sleeper”.

 

I’m just grateful that it isn’t at the bottom of the Pacific because I think it’s seen action.

 

I’m certain this was a beautiful sword when the proud owner first received it.

Thanks in advance for your time and willingness to share your knowledge

Colin

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Lucky man Colin, this is the sort of sword collectors are always hoping to come across. It is the very rare patented Iida latch style of mounting. The blade is also by a very good smith from a highly rated school, so you have a double winner. The Iida latch was designed by a sword shop still in business, the aim was to produce a better seal to protect quality swords from the rigors of combat. They are very highly sought after by collectors, here is an early Shin Gunto version:

 

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

As for the smith, this entry will tell you quite a bit, here are two great smiths from the same school, left is Yoshū Ju Yoshihiro and on the right is Yoshū Ju Hiromasa (a friends sword). 

 

[Michaelr]

Wow Great sword with Great mounts. Lucky find. Thank you for sharing   

  MikeR

[SteveM]

Another bonus: the Japanese writing on the wooden core of the tsuka is the number "222", which matches the number on the metal Iida latch, indicating the ensemble is original, and isn't assembled from various parts. 

 

Good sword, good mounts, all original. This is the trifecta of WW2 blades. 

 

豫洲西條住平貞重作 Yoshū Saijō-jū Taira Sadashige-saku
昭和十七年五月日  Shōwa jūshichinen gogatsu (May, 1942)

 

 

 

[ChrisW]

Nice find! Congratulations!

[Bruno]

Ni blade, nice hamon, nice find! 

[SteveM]

Sorry, forgot to add the inscription on the Iida latch 

 

飯田式錠蓋  Iida-style locking lid
専売特許      Patented
第一三二一〇六号  #132106

 

The Iida latch was developed by the forebears of what has become one of Tokyo's higher end sword dealers, Iida Kōendō.

https://iidakoendo.com/

 

Swords in scabbards with Iida latches are very collectible. 

[Matsunoki]

Just a quick but sincere “thank you all” for your time and expertise. Greatly appreciated. Best wishes. Colin