Vtg WW2 Japanese Katana Samurai Collection Sword -Signed -Unusual Kissaki -Knife

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

***Have a Japanese sword like this one? Or a whole collection? River Valley Knives purchases individual Japanese swords and collections . You can reach us at .*** River Valley Knives also sells collections on consignment . See our classified ad in current editions of "Knife World" magazine. Bidders/Collectors: Description: 1 antique Japanese samurai katana sword available. This sword was made sometime in the late 1920's or mid-1930's. This sword would have been carried during World War II--note the leather combat cover on the saya/scabbard. This Japanese sword would make an important addition to any collection. Have any questions about this sword? Call us at .This sword has a number of unique features that make it unusual/highly collectible: this sword has an unusually high number of chiseled characters on the nakago (18) oriented in two columns . there are also 2 painted characters (assembly numbers) long nakago/tang --measuring 11" in length signed by swordsmith and the polisher unusual kissaki shape --unique to this smith, Masanao. thickest part of the entire blade is 3/8" back from the tip, measuring 5/16" thick. The cutting edge of this Japanese katana measures just over 25" (as measured properly from blade tip to the notch in the blade spine). This sword measures 36" overall. This sword is signed (but perhaps not in this order as the tang was translated for me) 'Swordmaster Masanao, of Gifu Province, made this by great effort'. The tang is also signed by the polisher 'Grindmaster Suzuki Seiichi'. Literally the sword is signed 'kin saku takayama tou tou shou ishihara masanao ken shi suzuki seiichi'. The tang also has the painted characters 'seven eight', which are assembly numbers. The reverse side of the nakago has the number '816' painted in arabic numerals. A friend of mine took a shot at translating the tang--he says that he is still learning. But here is what he feels he has read: ' Kin saku takayama katana tosho kenshi ishihara masanao onuma jotaro :Respectfully made by ishihara masanao for takayama and polished by onuma jotaro '. The iron tsuba has two carved kanji on one side. The arabic number '125' is stamped on the other side. This sword has dragon menuki, and matching floral and insect pattern (grasshopper and dragonfly) fuchi/koshirae. Note the less common shape of the tsuka/sword handle. The hamon/temper line is either oil-tempered or acid-etched--I can't tell for sure which it is. The saya/scabbard is made of black-lacquered wood with a leather combat cover. The scabbard has two brass hangers. The leather combat cover means that this sword was carried during World War II. Condition: This vintage Japanese sword is in excellent condition. The blade edge is perfect with no nicks. There are a few smaller areas on the blade with the most minor of shallow pitting--the absolute worst of which (which is still minor) appears in photo 10. There is otherwise just an occasional area of light carbon finish staining. The sword is perfectly straight with no bends. All fittings and the handle wrapping are in excellent condition. The saya/scabbard is in excellent condition. The wood hanger loop is broken off (as is usual). The leather combat cover is in nearly perfect condition. This unusual World War II Japanese sword would make a fine addition to any collection. Credit cards are accepted through Paypal. Detailed Seller Ratings (5 Stars) Guidelines for Ebay buyers: Re: Shipping When rating the seller on shipping and handling charges, remember that sellers may charge actual packaging materials costs and a reasonable handling fee to cover the seller’s time and direct costs associated with shipping. For international transactions, you may be responsible for duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees as required by your country's laws. I have built my reputation on customer servi... read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.