Swords
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C1860’s Edo Into Meiji Period Japanese Aikuchi (Dagger Without Tsuba) Scabbard With C1840’s Ko-Gatana Side Knife Carry Bag Cover & Expert Assessment. Sn 23417 - 23417 This Aikuchi has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written notes and illustrations accompany the knife . In his notes he states “Blade mounted as an aikuchi (dagger) looks to have been shortened from a longer sword. Difficult to judge age, possibly Edo into Meiji period. Tang end cut square & filed & altered in shape from what’s left. Possible soshu style blade. Out of polish but bright, lots of scratches & old blackish rust one side. Tempering obscured, only vague hamon shape appearing, no grain to be seen. Needs a proper polish. Mounted in 19th century fittings (possible export). Wood saya with dark brown/red speckled lacquer finish. Small bits of damage. Kojiri & koiguchi in patinated copper, matching the copper sleeves, and fitted copper kurikata has no gatana slot. Tsuka is blackened fish skin, polished and wrapped around wood core. Has mounts matching saya mounts. Fuchi / kashira in copper. Finished with copper mekui peg with male & female sections with engraved flower emblems. Some fish skin missing and wear & tear to pins & mounts. An interesting export aikuchi with an older blade. P.S. A ko-gatana (side knife) has been fitted to this aikuchi. This is an export piece circa 1840s with brass hilt and blade has Japanese company logo / emblem”. In his illustrations of the blade he observes ‘cutting edge just under 28.5cms (length) and describes other blade & tang characteristics which can be seen in the images. The dagger comes with a cloth carry bag / cover. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 23417 (tanto box armoury floor) £725.00 |
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**CAPTURED / SURRENDERED U.S. ARMY SOLDIER BRING BACK**WW2 Era 1935-1940’s Japanese Katana Long Sword Blade In Quality Period Protective Honoki Wood Shira Saya Resting Mounts With Ink Signature To ‘E.W. Lusted St Louis’ & Expert Assessment. Sn 21346 - 21346 This Japanese Katana has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written assessment notes accompany this Tanto. In his assessment he states “Katana long sword blade mounted in original shira saya resting mounts, dating to 1935-1940’s period. Just over 24” it is minimum length for a katana. It is in bright condition, looks like its been re-polished by a previous owner in the past (half done). This is obscuring the work in the hamon & grain if any. Typical seki / mino pointed gunome hamon which looks edged in nioi crystals very hazy. Covered in fine scratches obscuring view of workmanship. There are 2 points of view with this blade. It is either a low grade gendaito, possible special order, they usually made 2 and picked the best which was then signed and mounted for the client. The remaining one was left unsigned put in shira saya either left in rack or sold off to trade dealers who mount and sell on. The other view is, it’s a good quality showa to bar stock oil quenched blade made for an army contract and never mounted. Its poorly finished tang would indicate this. Strangely the shira saya has been a high quality item, don’t usually go to this much effort for a showa to. It also looks like its had an original saya Gaki (ink attribution inscription) which is mostly missing (see image 3). A war souvenir by a U.S soldier who has written his name on it in ink ‘E.W Lusted St Lois’. An interesting sword needing a professional polish to see what’s in it”. In his illustrations of the blade he adds “cutting edge is just under 61.5 cms, total length is just under 81 cms. He also describes other blade and tang characteristics and dimensions which can be seen in the images. The price for this Katana with original expert assessment worthy of further research re the named Soldier includes UK delivery. Sn 21346 £1,045.00 |
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WW2 Japanese Army Gunzoku (Military Civilian Employee) Officer’s Gendaito Hand Forged Katana Long Sword Smith Signed Tang ‘Kane Tsune’ Scabbard With Campaign Leather Cover & Expert Assessment. ED 2414 - ED 2414 An original late WW2 Japanese Officer's Sword and Scabbard. 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 “Civilian sword for military use by Gunzoku (civilians employed by the army). They wore uniform and were entitled to carry swords. 65cm Gendaito hand forged blade (says forged in Mei in inscription). Signed by its maker ‘Kane Tsune’, born in 1910 real name Nishimura Kazufumi. He worked as a gunto smith in Giffu. This is the only mention I can find of him cannot find any other Oshigata of him. The blade is in good old polish with only one chip in edge. A very unusual hamon which does not conform to standard types. Appears a bit wild and uncontrolled in places. Hada is also a bit wild with large patches of vivid O Itame. It does not appear to have had yakote line in point. Possible war time polish. Saya is wood withthin layer of lacquer covered in campaign leather cover worn in places. Tsuba soft metal showa period made . Lost its original seppa, leather put in place. Tsuka hilt very good quality han dachi mounts looks Meiji & good menuki. Very dirty brown binding intact. Missing a sarute loop for rank tassel. An interesting example of a civilian sword carried to war (see Markus Sesko books on Japanese Smiths page 294 re smith. Only man using these kanji in Showa period (war time) born 1910 worked as a gunto smith)”. In his illustrations Bill translates the signature on the tang. He describes the tang end as Kuri Jiri (rounded) cutting edge 65cms total length 85cms. He describes the hamon as based on suguha medium Nioi crystals of Martensite, grain mixed masame goes into O (large) Itame in patches. He also identifies paint Arsenal assembly marks on the tang and other blade characteristics that can be seen in the images. The price includes UK delivery. ED 2414 £1,445.00 |
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Early WW2 Japanese Army Officer’s Type 98 Shin Gunto Sword With Patial Smith Signature ‘HIZEN KUNI’ (Possible Gendaito) , Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 19377:4 - 19377:4 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 “A Type 98 Shin Gunto with possible Gendaito blade. Partial Mei 2nd part rusted away due to jungle campaign ? Tsuka Hilt shows heavy use, water damage rotted most of fish skin under binding, which is intact but very dirty. Still got sarute loop and menuki. With a bit of detective work I have come up with 2 possible men who both started their Mei with the address HIZEN KUNI. This is a very uncommon prefix to a showa period name. John Slough has 2 men listed (Takaguchi family name) Masatsugu a RJT Swordsmith Star Stamp * made medium to high grade blades page 106-107 good comparison or Kino Shita (family name) Yosh Tada. He was also a RJT smith Rikugun Jumei Tosho army approved rated Medium to high grade swords. Very good match both men same Kanji style same horizontal kiri file marks & tang shape. Heavily buffed by previous owner needs professional polish to restore blade. The steel saya scabbard has also been heavily water damaged. It has been covered with a quality leather foul weather cover in 3 pieces fitted around carring ring and ashi mounts, professionally done by a qualified saddler ? attractive looking job. This could be restored polished to bring out beauty of blade. The 2 possible smiths are my conjecture. Made C1940”. In illustrations of the blade which are included in the assessment he translates the tang markings. He states overall length 33”. Cutting edge 24 ½”. He describes Hamon as’ Ko (small) Suguha with irregularities difficult to see’. He observes Yakote line buffed away. Tang end as Nakago Jiri shape (rounded). The price for this sword with expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 19377:4 £1,245.00 |
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**ATTRIBUTED TO WW1 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL (DSM) GALLIPOLI RECIPIENT**British Royal Navy Officer’s 1827 Pattern George VI Presentation Sword With Etched Blade By Gieves, Inscribed ‘PRESENTED BY MARTINS BANK LTD TO GUNNER W.G. MANTELL DSM RN 30.9.41’ - 23388 William George Mantell was a member of the Royal Navy (RN) who served during both World War I and World War II. He was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) in August 1917 for his service during the Great War. Mantell served as a rating and was wounded in action during the Dardanelles Campaign (Gallipoli) in 1915. His "conspicuous gallantry" during the war led to him being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 1917. He was later recorded as a Chief Petty Officer & served as a Gunner during World War II. He was later employed by Martin’s Bank as head messenger (more service information / antecedents on this man is available online at the Imperial War Museum archives and a portrait photograph of Mr Mantell is reproduced in image 1). This is an excellent British RN sword to Mr Mantell DSM presented to him by Martin’s bank Ltd in 1941. The Naval Officer’s sword has 80.5cm long fullered blade both sides with foliate etched & Blued panels and Kings crown Cyphers (one side ‘GRVI’ (King George 6th Rex). One side of the ricasso has maker’s / retailer’s name ‘Gieves Ltd’ the reverse has ordnance star and inlaid proof roundel. One side of the blade has presentation inscription ‘PRESENTED BY MARTINS BANK LTD TO GUNNER W.G. MANTELL DSM RN 30.9.41’. It has an attractive Lion’s head pommel and the knuckle guard features King’s crown and RN motif. The sword’s fish skin grip with wire binding is undamaged. One side of the guard has a folding langet which locks securely to a pin on the throat of the scabbard and holds it securely in place. The hilt is fitted with original bullion cord & bullion portepee. The leather scabbard with brass fittings is in excellent condition. The price for this excellent RN sword presented to a DSM recipient includes UK delivery. Sn 23388 £795.00 |
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Victorian Era Japanese Tourist Export Tanto Dagger With Ornately Hand Carved Ox Bone Handle & Scabbard. Sn 23362 - 23362 This is an excellent original late 19th Century Japanese Tanto With Beautiful Carved Ox Bone Handle & Scabbard no doubt a Tourist export piece. The Tanto has a sharp 5 ½” single edged blade and measures 8 ¾” overall length (9 ¾” in its scabbard). The blade has no damage and just areas of staining consistent with age. Its handle and scabbard made of the bone from the shin of an Ox are ornately hand carved with attractive imagery of Japanese Noblemen & Monk characters dressed in traditional Japanese Costume. The bone has even aged patina. The scabbard has a holed bone peg for hanging cord. The price for this hand crafted Japanese piece includes UK delivery. Sn 23362 (in tanto box floor armoury) £165.00 |
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Victorian Era Japanese Tourist Export Wakizashi Short Sword With Ornately Hand Carved Ox Bone Handle & Scabbard. Sn 23361 - 23361 The Wakizashi is a traditional short sword carried as a companion to a Katana (see page 11 of Military Swords Of Japan by Fuller & Gregory). This is an excellent original late 19th Century Japanese Wakizashi Sword With Beautiful Carved Ox Bone Handle & Scabbard no doubt a Tourist export piece. The sword has a sharp 15 ½” single edged blade and measures 24 ¾” overall length (29 ¾” in its scabbard). The blade has no damage and just areas of staining consistent with age. Its handle and scabbard made of the bone from the shin of an Ox are ornately hand carved with attractive imagery of Japanese Noblemen & Monk characters dressed in traditional Japanese Costume. The bone has even aged patina. The scabbard has a holed bone peg for hanging cord. The price for this hand crafted Japanese piece includes UK delivery. Sn 23361 £225.00 |
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WW2 Japanese Officer's Type 98 Shin Gunto Katana Sword With Gendaito Hand Forged Blade Smith Signed Tang ‘ISHIDO TERU HIDE SAKU’, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. ED 3016 - ED 3016 An original WW2 Japanese Officer's Type 98 Sword with smith signed tang and scabbard. 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 army shin gunto officer’s sword, blade signed ‘ISHIDO TERU HIDE SAKU’. There were 3 men using this art name (go) all made gendaito hand forged traditional blades. 2 were brothers from Saitama prefecture North of Tokyo. This man claimed descent from Musashi Daijo Kore Kazu, made many swords for high ranking officers. Listed as having an exclusive seat in 1943 Smiths ranking by Nihon Token Tanren Jo & Ni Hon Token Shin Bun Shi. A blade by him recently got hozen papers by NBTHK. A true Gendaito., see notes by Chris Bowen & AOI Arts for info, also Markus Sesko books pages 196-197, John Slough page 171 and Fuller & Gregory list No. 193 / 291. Needs a polish to bring out forging details. Saya gunto parade steel, brown pait lots of knocks and marks with use. No gilt left on mounts. Tsuba die stamped brass gunto pattern stamped Number 3 as are seppa, no finish left. Tsuka good quality gunto pattern with rare Monkey hand sarute loop. Locking catch missing and missing fish skin in places. Binding intact but dirty. Lots of information on this man. Worthy of restoration”. In his illustrations Bill translates the tang signature. He measures the cutting edge as just over 66 cms, total length 88 cms and describes other blade and tang measurements & characteristics which can be seen in image 2. The price includes UK delivery. ED 3016 £1,695.00 |
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C1800 – 1840’s Japanese Yori Doshi (Armour Piercing) Aikuchi (Dagger Without Tsuba), Scabbard & Kodjuka (Side Knife) & Expert Assessment. Sn 19377:7 - 19377:7 This Aikuchi has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written notes and illustrations accompany the knife. In extracts from his notes he states “C1800 – 1840’s Japanese Yori Doshi (Armour Piercing) Aikuchi (Dagger Without Tsuba). This is an unsigned mumei piece. It is in bright condition but has lots of fine scratches which are obscuring the forging details. Can see an undulating notare hamon line with what looks like a nioi crystal edge. Grain is not visible needs a polish (professional) to see what its like. Saya is speckled black lacquer with dark Buffalo horn mounts & a sentoku-Do (brass with golden hue) Kodjuka side knife in fitted pocket. Unsigned blade, hilt decorated with copper & shakudo leaves good condition with a few marks and scratching. A simple tsuka hilt of brown speckled lacquer with line banding decoration & Buffalo horn fuchi & kashira. There is no sign of menuki hilt ornaments ever being fitted NB small bit of damage horn bottom mount. An attractive looking dagger”. In his illustrations of the blade he observes ‘ cutting edge 7” (length) Total length 9 ¾”, Sujikai right slant file marks (on tang), ridge line (blade spine) is iroi mune, mune is flat (tang)’. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 19377:7 (tanto box armoury floor) £895.00 |
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WW2 Era Japanese Type 32 Army & Mounted Infantry Trooper’s Sword & Scabbard. Sn 23353 - 23353 This is a very good original WW2 Japanese Type 32 Army & Mounted Infantry Trooper’s Sword & Scabbard (see Chapter 11 page 119 of Swords Of Imperial Japan By Dawson). The sword has a regulation steel and wood chequered hilt. It has its regulation steel guard with cord slot & its spring loaded scabbard release catch works correctly. It has a 32 ½” fullered curved steel blade with serial number 28584 at the ricasso together with faint indistinct arsenal inspection mark. The blade has just small areas of staining consistent with age and has no damage to the cutting edge. The blade has its original leather hilt washer. The guard has no visible inspection marks which are sometimes found on these swords. The inside of the guard has its original leather thumb loop often absent on these swords. It is complete with original steel scabbard with single steel hanging ring. The scabbard has some small dents consistent with service carry. The shoe of the scabbard has an arsenal inspection mark (illustrated). The price includes UK delivery. Sn 23353 £575.00 |
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