ardroyboy Posted October 6, 2014 Report Posted October 6, 2014 I am new to Nihonto (and Japanese sword collecting) and would be delighted if anyone could assist me in identifying the signature on this tang. It is a bring back from the Burma theatre. Any other information on the katana would be very welcome for a novice. Thank you for your time! Quote
Jean Posted October 6, 2014 Report Posted October 6, 2014 Naga Mitsu - tachi mei Fake signature or not, I don't know Charles Use the search button at the top of the page for info on this smith Quote
ardroyboy Posted October 6, 2014 Author Report Posted October 6, 2014 Hi Jean. Thanks so much for your response. Are there any online resources which can further assist some research on this sword smith? Charles Quote
Stephen Posted October 6, 2014 Report Posted October 6, 2014 http://japaneseswordindex.com/naga.htm ww2 smith looks good Quote
Stephen Posted October 6, 2014 Report Posted October 6, 2014 BTW looks shorter than norm, maybe the photo, how long is it...wak size? very rare Nagamitsu Quote
ardroyboy Posted October 7, 2014 Author Report Posted October 7, 2014 Thanks to you all for your insights on the signature. I don't feel at all qualified to answer Jeans question as to whether the signature is faked or not. If anybody can provide me with information on the indicia that would be attributable to a fake signature I will do my best to undertake an amateur assessment. In relation to length, Stephen can you please explain what you mean by WAK? Sorry! Here are some other photos. Not sure if this helps identify a fake. I would be very surprised if it were a fake but, as mentioned, I am but a novice in this field. Charles Quote
Jean Posted October 7, 2014 Report Posted October 7, 2014 the tsuka binding...maybe the ito was broken and some one tried to roughly repair it. Makes me think of the binding of an old Spanish katana replica I had 35 years ago with a bad binding which became loose and that I tried to fix. Makes me wary Quote
Brian Posted October 7, 2014 Report Posted October 7, 2014 I think the sword is real, but it was rewrapped by an amateur. Look a the sarute, they usually don't take that much care with a fake. Looks ok...signature I am not sure about. But it does look like a real Japanese sword. Like Stephen, I would like to know the cutting edge length. Brian Quote
ardroyboy Posted October 7, 2014 Author Report Posted October 7, 2014 Dear Brian and Stephen. Based on my best measurement, without removing the tsuka, the cutting edge length is 64cm and the overall length 99cm. Your thoughts on this are welcome. If I wanted to have the sword and signature inspected I am wondering if any of you know of an Australian based expert who could assist? I am located in Melbourne. Thank you once again for your time and expertise. I have now attached a copy of the retention certificate that was purportedly issued to the British veteran. Not sure if this adds anything. Helmet as well. Charles Quote
Stephen Posted October 7, 2014 Report Posted October 7, 2014 dont mind Jean he only knows old swords like him self, but a good man. standard Nagamitsu...must have been photo to my eye ratio .... yep some unknowing soul thougt the way to the nakago was unwrap the ito...seen it a thousand times....Nagamitus are a good find. Enjoy Quote
cabowen Posted October 7, 2014 Report Posted October 7, 2014 It is undoubtedly a real WWII Japanese sword by Ishihara Nagamitsu. The signature is genuine. Quote
Peter Bleed Posted October 7, 2014 Report Posted October 7, 2014 Charles, You have a terrific group. The helmet is nice, and I am sure that Chris is correct in saying that the sword is a 100% legitimate Nagamitsu - a smith you will easily be able to research. Given that this sword had a tsuka cover, I am not sure that the wrap (tsukamaki) may not have been 'repaired' by the Army officer who carried the sword. The surrender document is wonderful. You must retain it with at least the sword. Someday it will be turned in to a makimono or a scroll. But the best part of this whole adventure is that you will shortly get to meet the Melbourne sword collecting community. They are wonderful and will enhance your experience! Enjoy!. Peter Quote
Stephen Posted October 7, 2014 Report Posted October 7, 2014 have I been reduced to chopped liver, or does Chris have final say on whats good,,,,,getting old.! Quote
ardroyboy Posted October 7, 2014 Author Report Posted October 7, 2014 Peter, Stephen, Chris, Brian and Jean, thanks so much for your expertise and, above all, good humour! Laughing out loud was not an expectation before posting. Final question - should I have it 're-wrapped and, if so, is there a style and method that would be true to its military origins? Once again, any Melbourne or Australian referrals welcome. Charles Quote
Jean Posted October 8, 2014 Report Posted October 8, 2014 http://www.aoijapan.com/katana-nagamitsu-3 Quote
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