J Karner

Hello members, I wanted to let you know Ive reduced my asking price for this Shigetsugu blade and am committed to help a member acquire a great sword to carry into the future, so if your are a member please feel to reach out. Likewise, as a reminder an appropriate donation will be made to Nihonto Message Board if we are able to put together a sale and transfer using this format or Crescent Moon Antiques and Salvage, my secure site. Please go there to see additional photos and description of this long katana and Shigetsugu. Thank you J Karner

It is time for me to sell my small personal collection of Nihonto gathered over the last 30 years. . I plan to retire as its keeper and pass this Katana, signed by Kasama Ikkansai Shigetsugu, to its new caretaker. Signature translation Oite Toyama Mitsuru O teinai Kasama Ikkansai Shigetsugu....Made at the estate of Toyama Mitsuru by Kasama Ikkansai Shigetsugu Date translation Showa Ju Shi Nen Roku Gatsu Hi....The 14th year of Showa (1939), a day in the 6th month. Nagasa Length measured in a straight line 27 1/4 inch or 69.2 cm Width at Habaki 1 1/4 inch or 3.3 Sori is about 2 cm Original Shira Saya with blade was brought back by veteran We have a company, Crescent Moon Antiques and Salvage in Oshkosh WI USA, that has both a physical location and online presence. I have this sword for sale there. I have far and away more photos there as well as more in-depth descriptions and history. I encourage buyers to visit CMAS online to see these additional photos and history. I can be reached at CMAS for any additional discussion or information. https://www.crescent...-Ikkansai-Shigetsugu I've also listed the Shigetsugu on eBay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/295919963962 I will consider a best offer, or negotiate and will take into consideration membership to various organizations including the Nihonto Message Board and Facebook Nihonto Group. I am searching for the right collector who appreciates this blade as I have, rather than the general collector who, rightfully so, needs to make ends meet and still pursue a collection. Likewise, I am afraid there wouldn't be enough meat on the proverbial bone for a respected dealer. I am asking $7000 NOW $6500 and realize that in today's Nihonto market that will be a stretch. However, I am in no financial hardship and am actually looking to pass it on to the right person. .

You gentlemen never cease to impress me. If you think it would be of interest or beneficial I can shoot better photos next week and post here some where (?)for the general membership to evaluate, contribute and learn from. Ray, thank you, I could do the same for your face book group. I agree about the Ju character, I still cant see it. I will keep looking. Mecox, thank you. What clear consise info you provided. I dont have the books you referenced by Sesko or Chris for that matter, so thank you for that lead as well...though obviously my ability to read Kanji is extremely limited I should have had them. I hope you all have a great weekend. Regards J Karner

Sorry for the upside down photo...going to try again.

Used to rember this off the top of my head, now Im spending hours trying to peice it together, going through what books I have and down the rabbit hole of the internet, never was good with dates. Of the 5 character mei....I think I have the first two and last two; Hizen......Kunimitsu. That third character has me stumped. Date of 7 characters first 4 and 6th, Showa Ju Ku space Ju space. Lenght 65cm I find a showa Kunimitsu ref in Hawley, no matching oshigata in Fuller Swordsmiths of Japan and Slough lists 4 Toko Taikan pg 216 (I dont have Toko Taikan) As a side if anyone has info regarding this smith, his lineage or general history please feel free to share. Thanks in advance and hope that these rough photos may spark some dialog regarding this swordsmith and the blades members may have by the same. Regards J Karner

Thank you very much to all. It's very clear now. Thank you particularly for the Kanji English side by side. So helpful to see. Though Ive had this sword longer than any other, I plan to sell this Katana in Shira saya soon....though I'm not sure how. I've only used ebay over the years.

Would someone care to a specific translation? My kanji translation is redimentary and Ive never been good with dates.