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**BLADE NUMBERED ON SIDE**Original, WW2 Japanese NCO's Type 95 Katana Sword With Suya Sword Shop Tokyo (Harp) & Kokura Arsenal Marks With Scabbard. Sn 20901. - 20901
This is an original WW2 Japanese NCO's Katana and scabbard. The sword has the typical aluminium cast handle with lanyard ring hole and fully functioning scabbard retaining clip. The hilt retains much of its original brown paint and has its original lanyard ring. Its fullered, 26” blade is stamped on one side '40104' and with inspection mark. The blade has light areas of staining consistent with age and the cutting edge has some small nibbles consistent with service use. The hilt is stamped with 1929-45 Kokura Arsenal mark and Suya Sword Shop Tokyo (harp) mark (see page 185 of Swords Of Imperial Japan by Dawson) together with inspection mark. It is complete with its original scabbard which has a single hanging ring. The scabbard has no dents and retains its original olive green paint. The throat of the scabbard is stamped with a partially visible number which looks like 50489. This piece is clearly a bring back, surrendered or recovered from the battlefield. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 20901.
£875.00

Pre WW2 December 1938 Dated Japanese Civilian Sword With Possible Gendaito Artisan Smith Signed Regulation Military Length Blade Possibly ‘TOMO KAZU SUKE’ / ‘SUKE MITSU’ With Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 20547. - 20547
This sword has been assessed by a UK based Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. His assessment accompanies this piece. In exerts from the assessment he states “Civilian katana, pre-war manufacture December 1938. This blade possibly made by an artisan & not trained sword smith. The mei (signature) is crudely written, especially the 1st kanji of name, cannot pin it down, tried numerous translations could be ‘Tomo Mitsu’, ‘Kazu Mitsu’ or ‘Suke Mitsu’. There is one Suke Mitsu showa period, a smith working as a gunto arsenal smith. Regulation military length at 25 ½”, no arsenal marks could be basic Gendai. Or high grade showa-to with a Nioi oil tempered blade, hamon unusual Hosho Suguha, no grain visible, a very clumsy looking sword, not in good polish. Saya good quality Honoki wood with thick black lacquer with its Kurikata for Sageo cord. Tsuba is Mokko (4 lobe) shape in a Sentoku brass metal possibly been blackened to match Shakudo Fuchi & Kashira on hilt (Tsuka). With Gunto Cherry Blossom menuki. Hilt with brown ito tape which is frayed with age. An interesting example, needs more research”. In illustrations of the blade & tang which accompany the assessment, Bill states that the cutting edge is 25 ½”, total length is 32 ¼”. He translates the tang date & signature as far as possible and describes other blade characteristics and dimensions (illustrated). The price for this interesting Katana worthy of further research with expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 20547.
£1,225.00

**FAR EAST BRING BACK**WW2 Japanese NCO's Type 95 Katana Gifu Prefecture Swords Coop, Kokura Arsenal Marks, Scabbard Brought Home By British Cpl John Weddle Bowater 114th (Sussex) Field Regt Royal Artillery 25th Indian Div & Original Photo Of The Sn. 2082 - 20827
The 25th Indian Infantry Division was an infantry division of the Indian Army during World War II which fought in the Burma Campaign. The 114th (Sussex) Field Regiment Royal Artillery was formed in May 1939 with two batteries. The Regiment served in the far east during WW2 as part of the 25th India Division and was re-designated 114th Jungle Field Regiment. Post war the Regiment was disbanded in January 1947. British Corporal John Weddle Bowater served with the 114th Field Regiment 25th India Div in India, Burma, Malaya & Egypt. Towards the end of WW2 the 25th Div took many Japanese army prisoners and many surrendered Officer’s swords. This excellent original Japanese NCO’s Katana was brought back from the Far East by Cpl Bowater and it remained in his possession resting un-touched leaning against his fire place at home. John passed away in 2002 and the sword was inherited by his Grandson. This sword, new to the market has the typical aluminium cast handle with lanyard ring and fully functioning scabbard retaining clip. The handle retains much of its original brown paint. Its fullered, 27 ½” blade is stamped on one side '18469' and with inspection mark. The blade is clean. The hilt is stamped with 1929-45 Kokura Arsenal mark and Gifu Prefecture Swords Cooperative / Union mark (see page 185 of Swords Of Imperial Japan by Dawson) together with inspection mark. It is complete with its original scabbard which has a single hanging ring. Its throat mount has faint number which looks like 44364. The scabbard has period hand applied paint marks on both sides. One side has ‘114th Field Regt 25th Indian Div’ the reverse has ‘India, Burma, Malaya & Egypt’, most likely all applied in the field by Cpl Bowater before return to his home in England. The sword is accompanied by an original black & white 4 ½” x 3 ¼” photograph of Cpl Bowater (in uniform) and an off duty colleague, which looks to have been taken in barracks somewhere in the Far East. The price for this sword worthy of further research regarding Cpl Bowater’s service includes UK delivery. Sn 20827.
£1,225.00

Mid 20th Century Japanese Gilded Soft Metal Kogai Scabbard Side Knife / Bodkin With Dragon Panel For Wakzashi Short Sword Scabbard Pocket & Expert Assessment. ED 2387 - ED 2387
This Japanese Kogai has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written assessment with measurements accompanies this item and can be read in image 2. The price includes UK delivery. ED 2387 (in Tantos box armoury)
£120.00

*ANCIENT FAMILY BLADE CARRIED IN WW2*1580’s–1680’s Japanese Officer’s Mimura Family Clan Yamato School Uchi Gatana Sword With Silver Mon Family Badges To The Hilt & Locking Catch Button With Leather Field Service Covered Scabbard & Expert Assessment. - ED 2386
This Sword with ancient blade has been examined by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg and a copy of his assessment notes accompany the sword. In extracts of his notes he states “Ancient Uchi Gatana blade for single hand use. With hamon based on suguha (straight). Possible Yamato school influence with temper same width into tang & at point which is extended. Looks to date to 1580-1680 period. A Town sword probably worn with longer scabbard to give the illusion of a long sword Katana. Bright and good old rust & light scratches obscuring the forging details. Saya original old wood now covered with leather for war service, some leather damage and damage to wood at throat with use in war, leather strap broken. Tsuba standard shin gunto issue. Tsuka gunto pattern for Officers complete with locking catch and knot loop. Minimal damage to fish skin, binding intact. Possible family sword with mon family badge on top mount and unusual to find also on safety catch. Old label on sword suggesting Mimura family, needs some research to Identify properly. A antique Samurai family blade carried to War 1939-45 period”. The label accompanies the sword and can be read in image 1. In his illustrations of the blade Bill describes the cutting edge of blade as 53.5cms length. Total length 69cms. He also observes that the tang is unsigned and describes other blade characteristics and dimensions which can be seen in the images. The price includes UK delivery. ED 2386
£1,245.00

SOLD SOLD (17/05) *Japanese Late Muro Machi Into Early Edo Period Uchi Gatana Single Hand Sword Smith Signed ‘SEKI JU KANE NOBU (Or YOSHI’ With 4 Lobe Iron Tsuba Depicting Dragon & Mount Fuji & Scabbard With Expert Assessment. ED 2385 - ED 2385
This Sword with ancient blade has been examined by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg and a copy of his assessment notes accompany the sword. In extracts of his notes he states “Ancient Uchi gatana blade for single hand use, just under katana length. It is signed with 4 Kanji ‘SEKI JU KANE NOBU or YOSHI’. Lots of Smiths used name Kane Yoshi & there were dozens who used the art name Nobu. This blade looks to date to Late Muro Machi Into Early Edo Period 1520’s-1620’s. It has been heavily used and re-polished a few times & is now showing some signs of tiredness with folding flaws and long Kizu. Saya looks good 19th Century with black on black banded lacquer, a small amount of damage otherwise ok. Tsuba is mid 20th Century replacement iron mokko (4 lobe) shape with inlaid gilt Dragon & Mount Fuji. Tsuka hilt has soft metal Fuchi Kashira depicting landscape & temples. With mismatched menuki. Some missing fish skin but bind intact faded in places. A bit of a gentle restoration would help”. In his illustrations of the blade he describes the cutting edge of blade as 59cms length. Total length 75.5cms. He also translates the tang signature & describes other blade characteristics and dimensions which can be seen in the images. The price includes UK delivery. ED 2385
£0.00

SOLD SOLD (20/05) 1600-1700 BLADE** Japanese Early Edo / Shinto Period Mino Work Tanto With Mid Edo Period Iron Tsuba, Quality Gold inlaid Flowers & Insects Fuchi Kashira Caps & Scabbard. Sn 21653 - 21653
This Japanese Tanto with ancient blade has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written assessment notes accompany this piece. Extracts from the assessment notes include “An early Edo /Shinto period tanto blade 1600-1700 unsigned it looks like Mino work with its forging of Gunome Midare (Nioi based). In bright condition but covered with fine scratches and a few patches of old rust. This obscures the hamon line and any grain. Needs a polish to see. Saya scabbard is wood covered with dark red lacquer finished with Buffalo mounts in reasonable condition but some chipping & splitting of the lacquer. Tsuba is oval shaped in iron with 2 large Ryu Itsu (same shape) for missing saya side knives. Nice colour to iron looks mis Edo Period. Tsuka hilt has nice quality Gold inlaid Flowers & Insects Fuchi Kashira Caps in Shakudo soft metal, looks 19th Century work. Menuki are mis-matched 20th century examples. Re-bound in Brown Ito cotton tape. Ray skin has a couple of small pieces missing. A reasonable Tanto needing some restoration to improve it”. In his illustration of the blade he adds “cutting edge is 28 cm. Total length 37.5 cm. He also describes other blade characteristics and measurements which can be seen in image 2. The price for this ancient blade with UK expert opinion includes UK delivery. Sn 21653 (in Tanto box armoury)
£0.00

**ANCIENT PRE 1600 BLADE**Japanese Late Muro Machi Period Bizen Den Wakizashi Short Sword Smith Signed ‘NORI SHIGE’ With Late Edo Period ‘KO JU MASA TORA’ Signed Rats & Rice Bales Iron Tsuba & Scabbard With Expert Assessment. Sn 21652 - 21652
This Wakizashi with ancient blade has been examined by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg and a copy of his assessment notes accompany the sword. In extracts of his notes he states “A Bizen Den (School) Wakizashi signed ‘NORI SHIGE’. Blade looks Late Muro Machi Period 2 possible men working in early 16th Century, one Bizen 1532-55, the other Bishu Osafune working 1521-28. A lot of old swords had simple 2 kanji signatures also right for Bizen is grooves, lots of this den did grooves in their blades. Needs professional polish to bring out grain, bright with some fine scratches & buffing marks, odd small flaw. Saya black lacquer not bad condition for its age (19th Century) couple of old repairs, missing a side knife to finish it off. Tsuba oval shape in iron depicts rats & rice bales (popular theme) signed ‘KO JU MASA TORA’ late Edo 1780’s-1800 working in the Akasaka Bu-Ko District of Tokyo in Edo (place). Tsuka has soft metal Fuchi / Kashira depicts Dragons, Late Meiji into 20th Century. Needs menuki & new binding, some old repairs. An ancient blade needing polish to bring out its workmanship. Worthy of restoration”. In his illustrations of the blade he describes the cutting edge of blade as 41cms. Total length 53cms. He also describes other blade characteristics and dimensions which can be seen in the images. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 21652
£895.00

WW2 Japanese Officer’s Shin Gunto Type 98 Sword With Showa-To Oil Tempered Seki Arsenal Blade Smith Signed Tang ‘FUKO MOTO KANE MUNE’, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 20768. - 20768
An original WW2 Japanese type 98 sword with smith signed seki arsenal blade. The sword has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written notes and illustrations accompany the sword. In extracts from his notes he states “A type 98 Shin Gunto army Officer’s sword with seki arsenal marked blade, Showa-To oil hardened & clay covered to produce the hamon (typical Mino), which has an edge of nioi crystals produced when the hot blade hits the oil. Looking like a gendai when polished. Grain if any is usually muji hada (pear skin). This is not visible. Blade is bright but has fine scratches and odd finger rust obscuring the forging. Signed by its maker ‘FUKO MOTO (family name) KANE MUNE (art name)’, the son of Fuko Moto Ana Hide, who owned a sword making factory in seki city and made gunto for the army. This smith rated as making low to medium grade shwa-to (see Fuller & Gregory for examples of his oshigata No. 122 & 283. Saya wood with light brown lacquer finish which has been varnished post war with loose ashi ring, missing its leather field cover. Tsuba cast gunto pattern with seppa, some gilt finish left on them. Tsuka later war product., plain wire sarute knot loop. Good fish skin has been properly rebound with black ito wrap post war. A good display piece”. In his illustrations of the tang and blade he describes the cutting edge of the blade length as 66 cm & full length as just under 86 cm. He also translates the tang signature and describes other blade characteristics and dimensions (illustrated in image 2). The price includes UK delivery. Sn 20768.
£1,275.00

**ANCIENT BLADE**C1681-1684 Japanese Tanto With U-No-Kubi Zukuri (Cormorant’s Neck Shape) Blade Smith Signed ‘KIN (Or) KANE CHIKA’, Protective Wood Shira Saya Resting Mounts, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 20448. - 20448
This is an ancient Japanese tanto blade which has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written assessment notes accompany this Tanto. Extracts from the assessment and notes include “Tanto in Shira saya resting mounts. Blade is U-No-Kubi Zukuri (Looks Like Cormorant’s Neck Shape From Back).Put in Shira saya after polisjhing. In good old polish showing good forging with small itame grain & a broad band of Nioi crystals following shape of a gunome midare hamon temperline. Signed with 2 kanji name can be read 2 ways Kin Chika / Kane Chika. I read it kane Chika. There is one Smith in my books using this signature working in Yamato full name is Kikuichi Monju Omi Kami Kane Chika Circa 1681-1684. This could be him, needs more research to pinpoint him. A dramatic looking Tanto”. In his illustrations of the blade he adds “cutting edge is 26cms, total length is just under 36.5 sms and identifies the habaki as “good quality 2 piece copper”. He also describes other blade and tang characteristics and dimensions which can be seen in the images. The price for this ancient blade with original expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 20448.
£1,175.00
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