For Sale a World War II Japanese Naval Officer’s katana (kai-guntō)

Darin · April 13

A World War II Japanese Naval Officer’s katana (kai-guntō) with its original scabbard.

The blade bears the signature “Bizen Osafune jū Nagamitsu saku,” indicating it was made by the smith Ichihara Nagamitsu, one of the most well-known names in Japanese swords

of the 20th century.

The blade retains its original WWII Imperial Army fittings, including its original sharkskin scabbard.

The tsuka features two decorative menuki and kabuto-gane, though the original tassel cord is missing.

Signature/markings: Signed “Bizen Osafune jū Nagamitsu saku” on blade

Condition: Good, wear commensurate with age, areas of missing polish, missing tassel and cord

Ray Singer · April 13

Hi Darin, not sure if this is the sword you intended to post but it is not a blade by Ichihara Nagamitsu nor is it signed Bizen Osafune jū Nagamitsu saku.

The mei is Bushu Edo Echizen ju Yasutsugu and appears to be a Shinto blade, from the early part of the Edo period.

Ron M · April 13

Hello Darin, I do not see a price posted here. Is this for information or to sell? If for sale then a price is important. Thank you in advance

drb 1643 · April 13

Nor does it have a sharkskin scabbard.

Tomm

Scogg · April 13

This section is only for discussion. We have a different designated "For sale" section that is for selling items.

Once some of these discrepancies are addressed, I will relocate the topic to the "for sale" section.

Because you are a new Forum Member, Darin. It may help if you include a picture of the item with a piece of paper showing your name and date.

Asking price is required by rule for listings.
All the best,
-Sam

Brian · April 13

Very strange post.

Darin · April 13

I am not an expert in antique swords, that is why I hired an antique weapons appraiser. I have the appraisal for your perusal, however, it is 3.87 MB. If you would like me to email it to you, please reply with the addresses and I will gladly send it. I hope this will help answer your questions.

Darin darinmca@gmail.com

Ray Singer · April 13

In all seriousness, if you paid someone to appraise your sword and they told you that it was a WWII era blade by Ichihara Nagamitsu and signed Bizen Osafune ju Nagamitsu saku you should ask for your money back. See below. On the left is an inscription by Ichihara Nagamitsu. On the right is an inscription by first generation Yasutsugu. Compare the kanji with what is inscribed on your sword.

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Darin · April 13

Thanks Ray, I have reached out to them and am awaiting a response.

Darin

Brian · April 13

Hell....you'll get a far better appraisal here for free :-)
And trust me, if Ray says something, you can take that as fact 99% of the time

Kiipu · April 13

Singer sensei knows his stuff and generously shares his knowledge with the rest of us.

vajo · April 14

Armstrong

Detroit

Mich-

The E.A. Armstrong Company was a noted 19th-century manufacturer of fraternal and military regalia based in Detroit, Michigan, often producing Masonic Knights Templar swords. Items with this marking are typically American-made, not Japanese, frequently featuring ornate designs and engraved names from the late 1800s.

Does the sword, from the early Edo period, bear an etching of the E.A. Armstrong company from the late 19th century?

image.png.a2e7dc6e155efe585b8b5e93e76be2d0.png