IJASWORDS

This sword has now been sold. Thankyou to everyone who showed an interest.

A good original WW2 Navy traditionally made MINATOGOWA sword rarely comes up for sale these days. Very few were made, and many "went down with the ship"! This January 1943 example offered for sale here, was made by the MASANAO. In very good as found polish, no rust, no pits, no chips, all the details in the hada and hamon perfectly visible. The boshi and kisaki are complete and undamaged. The sword is still ubu-ba, indicating no post war polish. A few very minor scuff marks only, that is consistent with age and use. Features include, all fittings have original matching numbers, the ray-skin saya is superb, has the extremely rare extended drag, original IJN brown tassel, and as a bonus gift with purchase, I will include the rare and sought after MINATOGAWA book by Herman Wallinga, a must have for collectors. The Kiku-sui Mon on the nakago and habaki are beautifully present. With all the add ons and postage included, a steal at USD8400.

So, I have a question relating to my SADAKATSU I posted on Friday. It was made in December 1933 to celebrate the birth of Japan's Crown Prince, who became Emperor Akihito. Including mine, I have only seen or read about 3 that are in existence, including this one. One was for sale at the 2019 DTI, for 3.4 million Yen, and one that was in the possession of Gassan Sadatoshi for 3million yen. My question is, how many of these swords were made (the best answerer I heave been given is "only a handful"). Also, is it known how many still exist, assuming some were Gunto mounted or even lost? I have been told that as many as 10 celebration TANTO were made, but these 10 were the majority of his work to celebrate the birth, rather than katana or tachi. I have been trying to find out this info for years, any help or guidance would be appreciated.

A 1935 KANETOKI, in type 34 mounts, special order for Lord Tsukaharu.

A GASSAN SADAKATSU, Hakogaki by Gassan Sadakatsu, Sayagaki by Gassan Sadatoshi. Thankyou to forum members and Japanese friends that were able bring this all together, thankyou to David who escorted me to Japan to find this sword in 2019.

Would be a great catch for anyone with one of these fantastic SADAKATSU swords!

Hey Jareth, here is one. quite rare. If anyone wants to buy it send me a PM.

Jackson, take your pick. All original WW2, I can work out a price.

Jackson, I sent you a message. I have such things in my box of spares.

Another attempt.

OK, got some advice from a sword buddy, a quick setup and progress being made.

A progress report. I bought a small (probably too small) LED light, and took some more photos. Whilst the sword looks great in the light, capturing it on iPhone camera is challenging, my daughter held the light and I tried to take photos. As I said, I will get the right gear probably after Easter and try again, so some photographic progress is being made, but I will do better. These 3 photos were taken at different areas of the sword, with different light angles. Hada and Habuchi are better pronounced, but I want to do better.

Rather than "bickering" as Hamfish says, I will accept the challenge from Franco D and try and take better photos. As "oli" suggested, I will rig up better lighting. My original post was photographed as I was doing its regular clean and oil, and not set up for photography. So how about we take a rain check on the discussion, and I will post (hopefully) better photos.

Thanks Brian, I post the occasional sword to share my enjoyment whilst I have it in my care, until the next generation can acquire and preserve it. I know iPhone photos are not always the best way to show off a sword's attributes, but I do my best. If I have ever had a question about a sword, I do it by PM, in a polite way. There are many folk out there that have an interest in Japanese military swords and GENDAI, and not a day passes that I am not on the phone, email or SMS to one. And thanks to "whatsapp" many overseas (hi Bruce!). For many collectors on this forum, the Military section is their first go-to area. Keep it positive, polite and constructive.

Maybe the photos are not as perfect as I indicated in the description. BUT it is traditionally made with very clear hamon, hada and importantly habuchi. If you want evidence, get on a plane and come and see it for yourself, otherwise.........