Help Identifying Japanese Sword, possible Morimitsu?

[skbshad]

Picked this up at a militaria show in Ohio this weekend. First Japanese sword I have purchased and would like to learn more about it. Was told it's an old blade (MEI is Morimitsu?), obviously handle rebuilt but no idea on date, was carried in WW2 by Japanese Officer. Any help on confirming swordsmith and other details would be much appreciated. 

[Rivkin]

I can't see the signature its so small, but its believable Morimitsu. Can't see the yasurime but looks like Mino Jumiyo, Tembun era.

[skbshad]

Here is a close up image. Appreciate your insights on this.

[Bruce Pennington]

Welcome to NMB Shad!

I'm curious about the habaki.  Has a unique shape to it, and one side seems ro have an "8" or some sort of pattern?  Can we get some cloe-ups of the habaki?

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Shad,

Your sword is indeed signed Morimitsu and, I think, it most likely is by one of the smiths of Bizen Provence who signed with that name in late Koto time (15th & 16yh centuries). Not sure what you're referring to with rebuilt handle but nearly 100% of old Japanese swords have had their handles replaced at least a few times as the originals and replacements have worn out; this is nothing to be concerned about. Looks to be a good introduction to Nihonto; welcome.

Here is a link to a care and cleaning brochure; you should read it at least once. https://nbthk-ab2.org/sword-characteristics/

Grey

[Rivkin]

After Grey's message I think might have been wrong calling it on Mino; Mino tends to have sharper nakago contours and prominent yasurime like takanoha or higaki... The work style to me looks a bit more Mino than Bizen but its the kind I think was used by both. It seems to be from Tembun and Bizen nijimei are uncommon at this time though... 

[Franco]

19 minutes ago, Rivkin said:

After Grey's message I think might have been wrong calling it on Mino

 

  It may be too soon to say at this point which tradition or school. There are quite a few listings for Mori-mitsu including Bizen, Mino and others. This sword needs closer study. 

[Grey Doffin]

I could very well be wrong on this; I do that a lot. But this presents an excellent learning opportunity for Shad. Do some online research on Bizen and Mino, 2 of the 5 traditions of Koto, and see if you can answer the question for yourself. Come back to us with your thoughts; tell us what you think you know. None of us will be bothered if you make mistakes; they go with the task. I can guarantee you'll be amazed by how much you learn in the process.

Grey

[mdiddy]

The sword looks like a Muromachi-period Sue-Bizen katana to my eye. It has the length and shape similar to swords from that time, specifically katate-uchi for one-handed use. I have had nijimei Sukesada and Kiyomitsu with similar shape, length, workmanship, and nakago style. It is an old sword worth studying and learning more about. Some really good advice has been given on how to care and property maintain the sword.

[Scogg]

Glad to see ya over here on NMB. Welcome, and thank you for sharing such an interesting sword

[vajo]

Old mino sword. Nice fittings.

[skbshad]

On 11/6/2022 at 7:50 AM, Bruce Pennington said:

Welcome to NMB Shad!

I'm curious about the habaki.  Has a unique shape to it, and one side seems ro have an "8" or some sort of pattern?  Can we get some cloe-ups of the habaki?

Apologies for the delay as I haven't had much time lately.

[skbshad]

On 11/6/2022 at 2:20 PM, Grey Doffin said:

I could very well be wrong on this; I do that a lot. But this presents an excellent learning opportunity for Shad. Do some online research on Bizen and Mino, 2 of the 5 traditions of Koto, and see if you can answer the question for yourself. Come back to us with your thoughts; tell us what you think you know. None of us will be bothered if you make mistakes; they go with the task. I can guarantee you'll be amazed by how much you learn in the process.

Grey

Thank you Grey. All the information shared has given me an excellent starting point to research further. I will be traveling for the couple of weeks so hopefully have a little time to begin. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Thank you Shad.  Turned out to be no pattern-work.  I like that habaki, though.  Was it blackened?  If so, that, in itself, is a bit rare.