md02geist Posted May 6 Report Posted May 6 Hello all, I was gifted this years ago. I have maintained it in approximately the condition it was given to me in, and really have not done anything to it other than keep it from degrading. Anyone have any input on what I'm looking at here? It was discussed a while back on NMB but I don't believe I came up with a solid answer. Sorry, I am struggling a little bit with the forum upload size. Quote
mecox Posted May 6 Report Posted May 6 Rob, this is a sword made in Kokura Arsenal in Fukuoka dated May 1944. Or it may be in an arsenal factory after moving due to bombing, The mei is "Kokura Rikugun Zohei Sho". For much info on the arsenal and these swords go to NMB Downs (in line at top of page) and find paper on Showa Period Fukuoka and Kokura Arsenal. 1 Quote
md02geist Posted May 7 Author Report Posted May 7 16 hours ago, mecox said: Rob, this is a sword made in Kokura Arsenal in Fukuoka dated May 1944. Or it may be in an arsenal factory after moving due to bombing, The mei is "Kokura Rikugun Zohei Sho". For much info on the arsenal and these swords go to NMB Downs (in line at top of page) and find paper on Showa Period Fukuoka and Kokura Arsenal. I thank you for this information! Very interesting. what is the fair value of something like this? I would like to sell it here at NMB and do not want to ask too much (or too little ha ha). Quote
mecox Posted May 7 Report Posted May 7 Does it have fittings? Need to see the whole item. But others will be best to comment on a price. Quote
ROKUJURO Posted May 7 Report Posted May 7 The HABAKI does not belong to this blade. What are the dimensions? Quote
md02geist Posted May 7 Author Report Posted May 7 8 hours ago, ROKUJURO said: The HABAKI does not belong to this blade. What are the dimensions? I agree completely. This was simply how the sword was given to me, along with a handmade wooden tsuka (nothing good or worth keeping, it was basically just a block of wood taped up). I will take some measurements. Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted May 8 Report Posted May 8 The fittings are from an NCO Type 95 and might sell around $150 separately. Overall, I’d guess $600-900. 1 Quote
md02geist Posted May 16 Author Report Posted May 16 Thank you Bruce. That's very helpful to know. I obtained the following measurements: Nagasa 26" Nakago 8.5" Also upon removal of the unmatching habaki and closer examination, I found these on the back half of the nakago on the mune-machi side (that would face in towards the crook of your thumb and forefinger, forgive me if there is a term for this area on the nakago specifically but I do not know it). Can anyone identify them? Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted May 17 Report Posted May 17 Excellent! Those are inspector stamps KO - Kokura Army Arsenal Supervisory Section HO - 1st Factory of Kokura Army Arsenal 3 - We don't have a known explanation for these. Usually 1, 2, or 3. Possibly a particular inspector or inspector section? 1 Quote
md02geist Posted May 17 Author Report Posted May 17 14 minutes ago, Bruce Pennington said: Excellent! Those are inspector stamps KO - Kokura Army Arsenal Supervisory Section HO - 1st Factory of Kokura Army Arsenal 3 - We don't have a known explanation for these. Usually 1, 2, or 3. Possibly a particular inspector or inspector section? DANG Bruce that is great info! So what am I looking at here then? Could you sum it up for me? Thank you for taking the time to answer all of my questions! I'm just looking to ask fair value for it, the person who gifted it to many years ago is estranged from me now for a lot of reasons so I don't wish to own the blade anymore. Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted May 17 Report Posted May 17 Other guys might have a different value range, but my earlier opinion is my best guess, $600-900. Showato with stains, missing fittings. Some one will want it, though. 1 Quote
md02geist Posted May 17 Author Report Posted May 17 Thank you Bruce! I truly appreciate your time and knowledge. If anyone is interested please let me know and just make me a reasonable offer. I will make a donation to NMB, and will put it up officially for sale later today. 1 Quote
md02geist Posted May 18 Author Report Posted May 18 This blade and fittings are now up for sale as a package deal, and a donation will be made to NMB upon successful sale. Thank you for all your interest and information and time! once again NMB comes through. Quote
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