Japanese Daisho Set: Signed Kunimasa Wakizashi & WWII Shin-gunto Katana

[poloantiguo]

Up for sale is a rare and authentic Japanese Daisho set (matched pair of long and short swords). This set is a true historical find, consisting of a signed Wakizashi and a matching Katana that share identical forging characteristics, indicating they were crafted by the same maker/workshop.

The Maker:
The Wakizashi features a clear two-character signature (Nijimei) on the tang reading Kunimasa (国正). While the Katana is unsigned (Mumei), the geometry, steel texture, and the natural patina of the tang are a perfect match to the signed piece, identifying them as a traditional companion set.

Item Details:

1. Signed Wakizashi (Short Sword):

• Blade: Hand-forged carbon steel with a visible historical patina.
• Tang (Nakago): Signed "Kunimasa" with a deep, natural dark oxidation—a crucial sign of authenticity.
• Mounts (Koshirae): Traditional black silk/cotton wrap over authentic Samegawa (ray skin). It includes a classic iron Tsuba (handguard) with floral motifs.

2. Katana (Long Sword):

• Blade: Robust forge with traditional curvature.
• Tang (Nakago): Unsigned, but matches the Wakizashi in age and workmanship.
• Mounts (WWII Shin-gunto): This sword features military-style mounts from the World War II era, including the characteristic pommel with a Sarute (loop for a tassel). This suggests the sword was a family heirloom carried by an officer during the war.

Condition Report:
Both pieces are in "as-found," unrestored condition.

• Steel: There is surface oxidation and staining consistent with age. No attempts have been made to polish or sharpen the blades to preserve the original steel.
• Tangs: The tangs have never been cleaned (cleaning the tang destroys the value of a Japanese sword).
• Fittings: All fittings (Habaki, Tsuba, Seppa) are original to the pieces as found.

Collector’s Note:
Finding a matched pair (Daisho) from the same maker is a significant opportunity for any collector of Japanese militaria or Nihonto. This set represents the transition of a Samurai family blade into the 20th-century military service.

Dimensions (Approximate):

• Katana Total Length: ~86 cm
• Wakizashi Total Length: ~50 cm

Shipping & Handling:
The items will be packed with extreme care. Please ensure that your local laws allow the import/possession of antique Japanese swords before bidding.

 

USd 5000

[Marcin]

Dude please, this forum gathers biggest authorities and scholars in nihonto community. It will be harsh.

http://meiboku.info/guide/form/yasurime/index.htm

Edited July 13 by Marcin

[Ganko]

Juan Carlos,

Your sword is signed Tsunaharu not Kunimasa.

[2devnul]

8 hours ago, poloantiguo said:

authentic Japanese Daisho set

Nope

 

8 hours ago, poloantiguo said:

reading Kunimasa

Nope

 

8 hours ago, poloantiguo said:

matches the Wakizashi in age

Nope

 

8 hours ago, poloantiguo said:

Finding a matched pair (Daisho) from the same maker is a significant opportunity for any collector of Japanese militaria or Nihonto.

Your AI is correct, but what you are selling is not even near a collectors Daisho set. 

 

8 hours ago, poloantiguo said:

USd 5000

[poloantiguo]

Hello, and thanks for the initial impressions. So, I gather this is signed by Tsunagaru? I am actually familiar with this *daishō*; I understand that one piece is antique while the other dates from WWII. I hope to gather more information so I can determine a reasonable value and sell the pair. Best regards from Buenos Aires.

[Marcin]

Drop more pictures.
From first impression

-waki is meiji for tourists?

-katana chinese after war fake or late war „whatever cuts” with nakago cleaned by machine? 
There is leftover of mei at katana nakago?

any snap button at saya?

I don’t even see clearly how tsukamaki is done, so clear picture of tsuka.

bad shiet to work around.

Edited July 14 by Marcin

[poloantiguo]

Hi, thanks for the input. I’m speaking from a place of ignorance here, but I’m going to go ahead and set a different, reasonable price. So... what is the maker's mark? The small one has a signature, but the large one doesn't. I’m uploading more photos. I’d like to sell them as a set; I ship worldwide via FedEx.
Once again, apologies for how I presented this.

[poloantiguo]

I am uploading these photos and trying to find out who the maker was. And well, even if it isn't a *daisho*, I still think they should be sold together, as that is how they arrived. Best regards.

[2devnul]

Hello,

 

Juan Carlos, please note that I didn't want to mock you. Your original post was just funny because everything was wrong but you were writing with such confidence. If you stick around on this forum and 'inside' Nihonto community (learn more) you will probably understand. 

 

As for the swords you have. Both blades are in poor condition/polish, same goes for Koshirae. Wakizashi seems to be a Nihonto, Nakago looks 'legit' and I think I can see a Hamon pattern on the blade. You can try getting more info about this sword by opening new topic in Nihonto section. Better pictures (see guidance here on forum) and measurements will help. Koshirae is falling apart, Tsuba and Kozuka are missing. Maybe Tosogu experts can comment on that, but it doesn't look promising. 

 

About Katana, I think it is not Nihonto. I don't think it is even Japanese. But I'm not into Gunto so can be wrong. This applies also to Katana fittings. 

 

Now your question about the price. I wouldn't expect much for any of these swords in their current condition. Restoration will also cost more then they are worth. You can try selling both (I advise to do it separately) on Ebay. Maybe you will get few bucks. I personally wouldn't buy any of these, even if you want to sell me both for 100$... 

 

Last thing, advertising them as Daisho makes no sense. You can of course call any long/short pair a Daisho, but that is not how it works in Nihonto community. 

 

Cheers! 

[ROKUJURO]

20 hours ago, poloantiguo said:

..... So, I gather this is signed by Tsunagaru? .....

No, it is TSUNAHARU.

Many of your photos are useless. Please use a plain dark background (not your bed), and take care to make well focused photos. Use a dark room to avoid reflections, and spotlights. NAKAGO photos always vertical tip-upwards, without HABAKI