Swords
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**RARE**American Civil War 1865 Dated Christopher Roby (Chelmsford, Massachusetts) Model 1860 U.S. Cavalry Trooper’s Sword With A.G.M. (Alfred G. Manning 1864-1865) Factory Inspector’s Mark & Scabbard. Sn 23849 - 23849 There was no official "Model 1865" cavalry sword; swords stamped with "1865" are actually the U.S. Model 1860 Cavalry Sabre manufactured during the final year of the American Civil War. Over 300,000 of these sabres were produced in total, and they remained standard issue through the Indian Wars and the Spanish-American War. The Model 1860 Cavalry Sabre replaced the heavier Model 1840 ("Old Wrist breaker"). It featured a slimmer, better-balanced profile for quicker cuts and reduced fatigue. The design of American Infantry swords of the Civil war era were influenced by French designs. This is an excellent, nicely marked, original example of the Model 1860 U.S. Cavalry Trooper’s sword complete with its original scabbard (see page 125 of World Swords by Withers. The author describes these swords as scarce). It has 34 ½” curved, steel blade with fullers on both sides and it is 40 ¾” overall. The blade is fitted with original leather hilt washer. The cutting edge of the blade is sharp & has just a couple of small nibbles consistent with service use. One side of the blade is marked by the American manufacturer, very faint, ‘Roby’ above crisp ‘Chelmsford, Mass (Massachusetts)’, the reverse is marked ‘U.S.’ (army), dated ‘1865’ and has initials A.G.M. (Alfred G. Manning 1864-1865) a U.S. government ordnance and arsenal sub-inspector active during the American Civil War. It has a curving 3 bar brass bar guard and stepped pommel cap in typical French form. The guard is and pommel cap are stamped with matching weapon number ‘43’. Its wire bound leather grip is undamaged with just light surface wear to be expected and the copper wire binding is intact and tight. The sword is complete with its original steel scabbard with 2 original hanging rings. The scabbard is clean with just a few minor dents to be expected with service carry. The price for this rare American Civil war collector’s piece includes UK delivery. Sn 23849 £895.00 |
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**ANCIENT 1650’s -1750’s BLADE**Shinto Period Japanese Short Sword Ancient C 1580’s – 1680’s Chrysanthemum Flower Carved Iron Tsuba, Scabbard & UK Expert Assessment. Sn 23803:12 - 23803:12 This Wakizashi has been examined by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg and a copy of his assessment notes accompany the sword. In his notes he states “Short sword in handachi iron mounts in worn condition with old black rust, some fine line engraving left on fuchi. Handachi is half tachi style circa edo period. Blade is difficult to put a date to, looks at least shinto period 1650’s-1750, has been cleaned and buffed up by a previous owner obscuring the forging details. No hamon line visible or grain, bright showing lots fine scratches. Nakago or tang been elongated by moving blade notches (machi) down thereby shortening cutting edge. Also been mounted at least twice. Both above observations show signs of its age. Quite a light blade possible mino school work. Tsuba is circular, iron showing ancient black rust, nice patina of age, showing a full blossom chrysanthemum flower, carved into solid plate, has two ryu hitsu ana with plain seppa dai. It is 8mm thick possible date 1580-1680. Possible separate rim? Scarce pattern. An ancient sword showing signs of its age. Needs gentle stone polish to show forging details”. In his illustrations of the blade he describes the cutting edge of blade as 51cm. Total length 69 cm. He also describes other blade characteristics and dimensions which can be seen in the images. The price for this ancient piece includes UK delivery. Sn 23803:12 £675.00 |
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SOLD SOLD (12/11) EXCEPTIONAL*C1933-1934 Pre WW2 Japanese Army Officer’s Type 94 Tachi Pattern Shin Gunto Sword With Tokyo Arsenal Marked Tang, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 23803:11 - 23803:11 This sword has been assessed by a UK based Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. His assessment accompanies this piece. In his assessment he states “A type 94 army shin gunto sword imperial decree no 26 authorised the manufacture of this tachi pattern for army officers. A tachi is a sword with 2 suspension rings or slings. Later the second ring was discarded resulting in the type 98 sword. I have only ever seen one of this type of sword with a smith name on the tang mostly unsigned like this. It only has arsenal inspectors markings on it. All relating to places in the tokyo area. This sword is early production type 94 made circa 1933 / 1934. The sword is v/good to excellent condition overall, only few marks & tiny rust patches otherwise 90/95% original polish which has a fake hamon line put on with stones. This is a murato oil tempered sword bar stock or scrap steel; first devised by colonel murato in tokyo no 1 arsenal in the 1920s. A very fine example of this sword and signed by colonel murato was on display at the to-ken society of great briton sword exhibition in the mid 20th century in London. Mounts. Scabbard has all its paint all fittings still retain the finish tsuba (handguard) has some gilt left a match to its seppa numbered 22. Tsuka. Complete with working locking catch, knot loop with monkey hands quality, gunto brown binding, fish skin and menuki, small amount of grease to ito wrap. A superb example of a shin gunto would fit into any sword collection”. In his illustrations of the blade he describes the cutting edge of blade as just under 66.5 cm. Total length 82 cm. He also identifies arsenal marks and describes other blade characteristics and dimensions which are illustrated in the images. The price for this exceptional sword with expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 23803:11 £0.00 |
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**MINT BLADE**1875-1934 Japanese Type 19 Company Grade Kyu-Gunto Army Officers Parade Sword & Scabbard. Sn 23803:10 - 23803:10 This sword has been examined by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. In his assessment he states: “A Type 19 Company Grade Kyu-Gunto Army Officers Parade Sword. Introduced November 24th 1875 during the reign of the Emperor Meiji. Worn right through till cancelled February 14th 1934. In the latter 19th century Japan was industrialising and copied the Western nations, their armies & navies. The Kyu-Gunto was their idea of a Western army officer dress sword. Some early parade swords were made in Solingen, Germany, who also supplied instructors from the army to teach military strategy & discipline to the Japanese Imperial Army. There are several variants of this pattern, carried by different branches and ranks of the military. Copied from German & British methods of forging sword blades for parade, heated bar stock forged, rolled & hammered to shape, quenched in oil, then polished & plated with artificial temper lines put on with acid etching or polishing stones. * See Swords of Imperial Japan 1868-1945 Reference Cyclopedia Edition P/No. 57 onward By Jim Dawson. In very good condition gilt faded with mint blade. Family crest or mon unknown, needs research.” The blade is 27“ length and has its original leather hilt washer. The sword is 32 ½” overall length. The scabbard with single hanging ring & shoe has no dents. The price for this sword worthy of further research includes UK delivery. Sn 23803:10 £695.00 |
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*RARE*NAMED & ATTRIBUTED WW2 CAPT WATKIN ROYAL DECCAN HORSE KIA 1945 FAMILY REMEMBERANCE SWORD WITH SILVER PRESENTATION PLATE *WW2 Japanese Officer's Type 98 Shin Gunto Sword With Smith Signed Tang ‘Kane Tushi Kori Wo Saku’ Scabbard & Expert Assessment. - 23803:9 A rare original WW2 Japanese Officer's Type 98 Sword with smith signed tang & poignant silver family presentation remembrance plate. The sword has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written notes and illustrations accompany the sword. The notes state “a type 98 shin gunto officers sword with leather field service cover over wood scabbard / saya with slip on hanging ring (ashi) in reasonable condition, missing its fastening studs at mouth of saya *a rare presentation sword* with slip on silver sleeve stitching around the leather cover, stating ‘presented to major general sir fredrick g. Watkin c.b., d.s.o., m.c. Colonel of the royal deccan horse by the officers of his regiment in honour of captain f.c.n.g. Watkin killed in action meiktila burma 14 march 1945 a sad reminder of the cost in lives of war’. The blade of this sword is a standard medium quality showa-to oil quenched sword, from an arsenal with brass hand guard (tsuba) no gilt left, metal & leather seppa. Tsuka has gunto mounts, two cherry blossom menuki, not fitted with a safety catch, had leather retaining strap (missing), also missing knot & loop (sarute). One, in the field repair to binding to stop unravelling. A well carried sword. An interesting relic of war with poignant silver remembrance plaque of a life lost”. In his illustrations Bill translates the tang signature. He measures the cutting edge as 63 cm, total length 86 cm and describes other blade and tang measurements & characteristics which can be seen in the images. The price for this rare remembrance sword worthy of further research includes UK delivery. Sn 23803:9 £2,200.00 |
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SOLD SOLD (06/11*ANCIENT 1668 DATED & SUPREME MASTER SMITH SIGNED BLADE* Japanese WW2 Wakizashi ‘Naga Sone Okisato Nyudo Ko-Tetsu’ With Edo Period Iron Tsuba, Original Hand Written WW2 Gurkha 1945 Presentation Information Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn - 23803:8 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 ‘Antique blade, wakizashi sword carried in the second world war. Blade looks shinto period dark black rust on nakago & mounted at least twice. File marks nearly eroded away. The signature is a very famous, highly rated smith: Naga Sone Okisato Nyudo Ko-Tetsu, a priest to be! Dated May 1668. Blade bright but not in polish. Scratched and faded hamon. Also has some faults (kizu) and blister. References: markus sesko book on swordsmiths pages 393/394/395/396. Lots of information. Rated as saijo saku (supreme made), master. Hawley's list of swordsmiths, page 251. Rated at 200 points (average points 138). Nihon to koza, afu watson translation. Pages 72, 74, 76 and 183/184/185 for genuine tang rubbings (oshigata). See shinto benji book for more oshigata. This needs signature authenticating in Japan! Koshirae: saya - wood covered with black leather, field service use, good condition. Tsuba - round black iron, depicts a man by a river in rain with a large rain hat. Nice edo period patina. Tsuka is gunto pattern with dirty ito binding complete and intact. Iron plain kashira with quality Fuchi of cloud dragon, signed mune not translated. Needs further research. Has plain brown officer's tassel used by admin personnel and navy 1944 period swords. Original label with history and provenance. ‘from wing commander r.a. Woodley, 1982 killigrew street falmouth. Presented to woodley by Lt. Col. NFB Shaw d.s.o., 3rd batt gurkha rifles, raf avadi, south india, 1945. Near habrasi (chennai). On other side blade 57cm signed Kotetsu signed fuchi original knot’. In his illustrations of the blade he describes the cutting edge of blade as just under 57cm. Total length just under 72cms. He also translates the tang signature and date, describes other blade characteristics and dimensions which can be seen in the images and states the original label needs further research to verify the history of this interesting sword. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 23803:8 £0.00 |
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*VERY RARE*ANCIENT 17thC FAMILY BLADE*BULLET DAMAGED*OKINAWA BATTLEFIELD RECOVERED*WW2 Japanese KIA Officer’s Sword Smith Signed ‘IKEDA KISHINMARU KUNI SHIGE’ Officer’s Rank Tassel, Hanger & Battle Damaged Scabbard With Archive Label & Expert Assessment. - 23803:7 *VERY RARE*ANCIENT 17th CENTURY FAMILY BLADE*BULLET DAMAGED*OKINAWA BATTLEFIELD RECOVERED*WW2 Japanese KIA Officer’s Katana Sword Smith Signed ‘IKEDA KISHINMARU KUNI SHIGE’ Officer’s Rank Tassel, Hanger & Battle Damaged Scabbard With Historical Archive Label & UK Expert Assessment. Sn 23803:7 The Battle of Okinawa (codenamed Operation Iceberg) was the last major battle of World War II, fought from April 1 to June 22, 1945. The extreme high cost of lives on both sides and fierce resistance at Okinawa heavily influenced President Harry S. Truman's decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki later that summer. This is an original WW2 Japanese NCO's Katana and scabbard with Combat damage recovered from the Okinawa battle theatre and retain the ‘C9’ archive tags / labels. The sword & scabbard have battle damage which consists of 2 bullet strikes piercing the scabbard. The bullets passed through the scabbard one striking the spine of the blade the other clipping the cutting edge. The blade strikes match the holes in the scabbard indicating that the Japanese Officer was hit by gun fire during battle while carrying the sword sheathed. The sword has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg, his notes accompany the sword and state “a small katana from the 17th century very rare example of a battle damaged sword in original as found condition not altered. Has last owner's label with info' and opinion from the to-ken society news letter no 179, dated sept/1998 published by clive sinclair chairman of the to-ken society at that time purportably from japanese officer shot dead on okinawa by a British Soldier? Needs more research. Badly rusted tang (nakago) bears what is just about visible the makers signature of ikeda kishinharu kuni shige in tenna period circa 1681 settu osaka province rated chujo saku above average & maker of sharp swords see to-ken journal no 179 sept/1998 see markus sesko book page 462 see hawley's revised, page 294, kun 1135 though in poor condition this is a desirable collectors item for the man who likes genuine examples of a battle field pickup. Damaged leather covered saya very rusty iron tsuba signed nobu ie edo period (to faint to photograph). Tsuka very dirty with abuse & war use has saurute loop with Lt/to captains rank tassel finished off with scarce sword suspension strap. In 50 years i have only seen half a dozen blades with bullet strikes right through them”. In his illustrations of the blade bill describes the cutting edge as 61 cm and overall length 76mm. Identifies 2 bullet strikes (which match scabbard damage holes indicating the Officer was KIA while sword sheathed). He also translates the tang smith signature and describes other blade dimensions and characteristics”. The previous owner’ historical archive label and collection ‘C9’ labels and disc also accompany the sword. The hand written archive label reads “C9 Smith: Ikeda Kishinmaru Kunishige, personal name Chobei - a pupil of Kawachi no Kami Kunisuke in Osaka, before moving to Ikeda Period: Tenna (1681) Settsu (Osaka) province, one of a group of smiths originating in Mizuta, Bitchu province, tracing their origin back to Aoe school. Chujosaku (average +), wazamono (sharp). Said to have been taken from a Japanese Officer shot dead on Okinawa – apparently by a British soldier. Published Clive Sinclair, "Modern kiri-komi?", Token Programme 179 (Sept. 1998), pp. 26-28 Nobuie tsuba (signed)”. The price for this very rare piece of Okinawa history, a family blade taken to war includes UK delivery. Sn 23803:7 £2,450.00 |
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**ANCIENT 1467–1568 RARE SHAPE OSARAKU ZUKURI BLADE IN SUPERB MINT FULL POLISH**Japanese WW2 Pilots’s Tanto Dagger Blade Smith Signed ‘SHIMADA SUKE MUNE’, Shira Saya Resting Mounts Special Order Gunto Mounts With Wood Blade Scabbard & Expert Assessment. - 23803:6 This is a superb ancient Japanese tanto blade with resting mounts and special order gunto mounts which has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. His hand written assessment notes accompany this tanto. The assessment states “A Japanese tanto (dagger) with rare blade shape osoraku zukuri originally made by shimada suke mune for a famous general katagiri katsumoto in the sengoku period 1467–1568. The point is longer than the body of the blade. Suke mune carved the kanji for osoraku on his blade means perhaps! In mint polish mounted in shira saya it is inscribed with a famous smith's name oku yamato kami taira masa moto hira 2 generations: shiodai 1789–1801 grandson 1854–1860 see markus sesko book on swordsmiths p/nos 191–192 see hawley's illustrated revised edition p/no 441 rated 70 points shodai see afu watson translation of nihon tokoza for info & oshigata of this man 0S/ 68- 70-81-129-196-393-94-95 450-452 a superb craftsman and highly rated needs to go to Japan for verification of signature & papers this sword was carried in WW2. A koshirae special order set. A scaled down (miniature?) set of mounts for a type 98 shin gunto (new army) pattern sword made to special order in either arsenal or sword factory. The blade for these mounts is an Antique made with a spectacular & rare shape in mint condition (now housed) in a honoki wood shira saya for safe keeping, and mounted in Japan. The mounts are held together with honoki wood blade scabbard is steel painted black (possible restored) with brass special gunto style fittings & one slide on ashi with steel hanging ring. Tsuba gunto pattern pierced through the body with four showa blossom flowers lots of original gilt remaining complete with all its seppa (washers). Tsuka complete with all its ray skin wrap and its Ito brown binding (bit of dirt from carrying) has working locking catch and menuki of cherry blossom flowers, only missing a sarute (knot loop) to complete it. Because of its small size, possibly made for a pilot to carry?. The whole set is a spectacular display item for the collector of rare second war Japanese swords”. In his illustration of the blade he adds “cutting edge is just over 30 cm. Total length just 44 cm’. He translates the tang signatures and dates and sdescribes other blade characteristics & images. The price for this ancient blade with original UK expert opinion includes UK delivery. Sn 23803:6 (tanto box armoury) £3,450.00 |
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Victorian, British Pattern 1827 Volunteer Rifle Brigade Officer's Presentation Sword Etched 'Presented To Major John Selby On Promotion By Members of C Company, First Surrey Rifles, March 1899' By Robert Mole & Sons, Birmingham & Scabbard. Sn 23792 - 23792 The Volunteer movement had its origins in the eighteenth century. Service in the Militia was compulsory at that time for those selected by ballot and who were not wealthy enough to hire a substitute. But specific threats, such as Jacobite risings or the threat of French invasion, induced men to volunteer for home defence. A series of Militia Acts, notably in 1761, 1768 and 1802, had the effect of transforming the Militia from a home defence force into a reserve for the Regular Army, and its former function was increasingly filled by the Volunteers. During the Napoleonic Wars 1793-1815, the risk of invasion by Revolutionary France persuaded the government to authorise the formation of volunteer units that would be subject to military discipline and eligible for pay when called out. Numerous Volunteer units were formed around the country. British Volunteer strength peaked in 1803 at a remarkable total of some 440,000, but with the defeat of Napoleon they were all disbanded. In 1859 after another threat of Invasion Volunteer rifle units throughout Britain were reinstated. The 1st Surrey Rifles was a volunteer unit of the British Army active from June 14, 1859, until 1993. Elements of the Surrey Rifles saw action on the Western Front in WW1. In WW2 the Surrey rifles became the 35th (First Surrey Rifles) Searchlight Regiment and were deployed during the London Blitz. The 1827 pattern sword is defined by gothic bar guard hilt coupled with the usual Royal Cypher with strung bugle cartouche badge of the Rifle Brigade (see page 174 of World Swords by Withers). This is an original 1827 Pattern Surrey Rifles Officer’s Presentation Sword. The sword has a clean 32 ½” blade (38 ½” overall) with fullers and original leather hilt washer. The blade has etched & blued foliate panels together with 'Presented to Major John Selby on Promotion by Members of C Company, First Surrey Rifles, March 1899', the opposite side etched with Queen’s Crown VR cypher and regimental badge of 1st Surrey Rifles & the slung bugle of the Rifle Brigade. The blade also has ordnance proof star and roundel & is signed by the maker Robert Mole & Sons, Birmingham. The spine of the blade is numbered ‘M341’. It has the correct steel gothic bar knuckle guard with the Rifle Brigade 'Queen’s Crown with slung bugle' badge and curved stepped pommel. The fish skin covering on the grip is very good, the grip’s copper wire binding is all present and tight. It is complete with its steel scabbard with 2 hanging rings and shoe. The scabbard has just a few small light dents consistent with service carry. The price for this sword worthy of further research regarding the named Officer includes UK delivery. Sn 23792 £695.00 |
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**CUSTOM FIELD GRADE SAMURAI FAMILY**WW2 Era Japanese Cavalry Officer’s Type 19 Sword With 3 Feet 1 ½ Inches Extra Long Blade & Kyu Gunto (Naval Form) Guard With Silver Mon Family Badge Officer’s Cord & Portepee & Scabbard. Sn 23803:5 - 23803:5 This is a custom made WW2 Era Japanese Cavalry Officer’s Type 19 Sword With Extra 3 Feet 1 ½ Inches Long Blade & Kyu Gunto (Naval Form) Pierced Guard With Officer’s Cord & Portepee & Scabbard. A Custom made field grade Type 19 Cavalry sword with Kyu Gunto guard is illustrated on page 110 of Dawson’s book ‘Swords Of Imperial Japan 1868-1945’. The length of the this sword 43” overall indicates it would have been saddle mounted or slung on the back of the Cavalry Officer as some Tachi long swords were carried by Samurai Warriors. The spine of the hilt has a Silver Mon Samurai Family Badge. There is an indistinct mark on one side of the blade near to the hilt possibly a crest of some form? (illustrated in image 2). (NB For info all fittings on this sword are very tight, to avoid risk of damage we have not attempted to dismantle the sword to take images of the tang). The sword comes with its original steel scabbard with single hanging ring & shoe. The price for this sword, worthy of further research regarding the Sanurai family mon badge includes UK delivery. Sn 23803:5 £1,450.00 |
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