Katana made by uke Mitsu?

[deborah]

I have purchased a Katana for my husband & need to know if anyone can help me with the history of the piece. The tang has inscribed Suke Mitsu Saku. I was told it was made somewhere between 1500-1550 and was a family piece. Along with it came a wooden (small) piece which has written on it in ink...one side in Japanese 'Honda' and on the other side the same is written in English. The timber piece, it is claimed, was for ID when the sword was handed over to the allied at the end of WW2. I was told that it belonged to a Captain Honda (Naval). The scabbard is black laquer with gold (I believe to be bronxe and / or gold gilt) fittings in the style of cherry blossoms the flowers are predominant on the handle as well. The blade is in excellent condition, as is the rest of the sword. The gent I purchased it off, bought it himself some 40 years ago and is an avid collector. I have 2 other pieces from him and they have both been authenticated.

[Marius]

I have purchased a Katana for my husband & need to know if anyone can help me with the history of the piece. The tang has inscribed Suke Mitsu Saku.

 

Hi Deborah,

 

can you post some pictures of this sword? The whole shape, both sides of the tip and the tang should be shown separately. Pictures of the mounting would be interesting, too. Without pictures it will be rather difficult to tell you anything about the sword.

[Stephen]

yes please do post some pix.

[deborah]

Hi and thank you for such a quick response. I am a complete ludite when it comes to computers and have taken a number of pics, but can't get them clear enough. Is it possible for me to receive some e mail addresses, as I find that easier to deal with. The sword (3) are as follows, by the documentation given. This may help with the thought processes.

1. The tang has 2 holes. Markings state: Bitchu NoKami Fuji Wara Kiyo Nobu ( Smith is Kiyonobu) 1661-1688. Bitchu Province.

2nd Generation. This one I believe is a field sword, though I am confused, as all the paperwok was mixed up when purchased and travelled home with the 3 swords. This also has a letter (original) from 55 Aust Camp Hospital. Timor Force. 19th November, 1945. It states: This is to certify that SX25382 Sgt Duthie R is permitted to retain the following articles of Japanese equipment as souvenirs. 1 Field Case 1 sword. Signed: Capt K. Wise. OC55 Aust Camp Hospital. I was given by the seller a photocopy of his research and this states: Son of KIY 367...whatever that means!

2. The second sword has 4 holes in the tang stating: Bizen Kuni Ju Tada Mitsu. Smith is Tadamitsu. Bizen Province. 1573-1592.

The appraisal paer states: Length: 1 Shaku, 7 sun, 5 BU (IBU = .1(?)19 305 inch). Period: Tensho (1573-1592) Ji Hada (Patern of the metal) Itame (Wood Grain. Hamon: Hoso-Suguha Ni Yaki (Narrow straight tempered line) NI YAKI (Misty white line along the tempered line. Early Spring of 58th year of Showa. Yamada Kenzan. The certificate of authenticity was supplied by Shoichi Yamada 1984 (Now deceased).

3. All I have on the Katana are some awful out of focus pics, new ones coming very soon after new year, I did try but my camera had a hissy fit.

I do hope that someone can help me here as the paper work is messed up and an email address or two would assist me with sending pics and documents.. So sorry for my computer inability. Regards Deborah

[John A Stuart]

Deborah, Any pictures you want posted send to me and I'll do it. John

 

excelsiorilluminati@yahoo.ca

[deborah]

Thank you so much John, I will send you the pics within the next couple of days.

I appreciate very much your offer of assistance.

Kind regards

Deborah.

[Bazza]

Deborah,

 

I've sent you a PM (Personal Message), but if that is difficult for you to access at this stage send the pics directly to me at my "working" email address:

 

warlord@iinet.net.au

 

I'm in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. I'm guessing you are also in Australia by your mention of Timor on a tag and Yamada Kenzan, a polisher of sorts who visited Australia a good many years ago.

 

Best regards,

Barry Thomas.