Shingunto Hizen Taguchi Masatsugu RJT Star 1943

[mecox]

Shingunto signed Hizen no Kuni Masatsugu   肥前國正次  with Rikugun Jumei Tosho star stamp  plus “ko” and “ho” stamps on nakago mune.  Traditionally made water quenched, nagasa  64.2 cm,  hamon is suguha based ko-midare with nie deki, boshi is jizo shape with kaen (flames); appears to be muji hada.  Blades is dated at June 1943:  Koki ni sen roku hiaku san nen roku gatsu kichi jitsu   皇紀二千六百三年六月吉日 “lucky day 6th month 2603 years Japanese Empire” (June 1943).  Nakago is ubu with kiri yasurime.  Blade in very good condition, in original polish, no bends or rust, but some fine stratches. There is one small fukure blister (1 mm) on edge of hamon.   Shingunto koshirae is all original and good condition (one minor dent on saya). Tsuka is all original, ito binding very good, quality same rayskin with large nodules.  Brass gunto tsuba with 3 pairs of seppa (no stamped numbers). Locking clip complete and working; brass sarute has sakura pattern.  Copper habaki with silver wash.

Masatsugu originally from Saga, Hizen, trained in Tokyo at Denshu Jo at Akasaka.  He received high ranking at all wartime exhibitions, and returned to Saga around 1942.  He was appointed Rikugun Jumei Tosho.  Post-war he continued to make swords from 1958 receiving numerous awards.

See Article in NMB Downloads for details of Masatsugu and examples.  Described in Slough as "medium to high grade gendaito"  pages 106-107. 

Price US$2000 (plus shipping & Ppal).. Blade is in Australia. 

 

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/files/file/51-taguchi-kiichi-masatsugu-hakuryushi-tadataka/

 

 

[mecox]

Folks, I am keen to sell this complete RJT sword by Hizen Masatsugu, so reduced to US$1850.  Thanks.

[mecox]

Hizen Masatsugu shingunto has now been sold.  Thank you.