PNSSHOGUN

The geometry for a Yokote is there but it's been worn down from the looks of it.

You will probably have better luck finding a set of Type 3 fittings that will fit this Sugata. It will be somewhat of a wild goose chase with high potential of spending more on the fittings than you have on the blade.

There is a channel that does destructive tests on modern martial arts swords, striking the sword on the Mune against a hard object causes catastrophic failures in a very short time. https://www.youtube.com/@Matthew_Jensen/videos

Given the early nature of the fittings it would more likely to have been taken to China.

Well if that's the case we must inform the NBTHK, NTHK (+NPO), and all other invested organisations or individuals, that this whole Kantei business has been a colossal waste of time and to cease operations immediately.....!

Remarkable example, it's an early Type 94 from a particular sword shop I've seen other good quality examples from in the past. The only thing that gives me pause on the originality of the colour is the gold/copper paint on all fittings.

Attractive fittings but without any solid provenance it can be difficult for collectors to bid.

Comparison with standard General grade tassel.

Another example of this tassel:

If memory serves me right it may have originated from larger Daimyo collections.

You will find this from many other sword shops, a subtle sign of quality.

Little Sori was popular during Kanbun Shinto, and later Shin Shinto.

Hi Geoff, try taking a photo so the light is angled along the Hamon rather than head on.

That is an absolutely absurd sum for a Koshirae, leave him to his delusions.

Wakase fittings are one of the makers that introduced the solid Tsuba early on, there have been a few Koshirae over the years from Wakase that have two original hangers. Certainly an exception, not a rule.

Is the leather cover cut for the second hanger?

Keep in mind that Kanemichi had many students and it wouldn't be unusual for these to be made in a shop setting with multiple smiths making swords under the Kanemichi name.

The gold trim on the separate Tsuba is an unusual touch, one imagines this may be an example of a 'good' Bone (or ivory) sword.

You don't often see Type 3 with Mon, this was an exception:

Looks like Sunagashi https://markussesko.com/2015/05/29/kantei-3-hamon-boshi-1/

Typical Type 98 with non-traditional Showa-to by one of the well regarded Gendai Tosho of the period, nothing really exciting apart from the condition.

Pure Camelia oil is readily available on ebay. The spray bottle will last for years.

Daimyo owned items would likely exhibit a primary family Mon, along with their specific branch Mon. I would place zero trust in anything AI comes out with regarding such matters.

Hi Steve, nice looking sword with early mounts. The Mon on the Menuki are always a nice touch. Would be happy to own this.

Once again in your debt, Moriyama Sama. It seems Mr Nakanishi was from Okayama and graduated from the Tokyo School of Arts in 1935, and continued as an artist after the war. What role he played during the war remains to be discovered, but the Australian War Memorial has record of this artist painting a number of portraits of Australian soldiers at Makassar. I'm hesitant to post the portrait as it doesn't belong to me, however the son of the subject will be most appreciative. Below is a very similar portrait of another Australian officer. "Among the Japanese prisoners was Tokyo artist J. Nakanishi. He was appointed to the Japanese liaison office that was established as an intermediary between the headquarters of the 2/14th Battalion and the 2nd Japanese Army. Little is known about the artistic career of Nakanishi; however, during his time in captivity he created at least 80 painted portraits of Australian soldiers. The Australian War Memorial holds two in its collection." https://www.awm.gov.au/wartime/83/article-five https://townweb.e-okayamacity.jp/nakai/onko/nakanishi_jirou.html "J. Nakanishi, Major Gerald O'Day"