The Sword of Ugaki

[Kiipu]

Reportedly, one of Admiral Ugaki's swords is on display at the American Merchant Marine Museum.  It was donated to the museum by General MacArthur in 1945.

Surrendered Sword of Vice Admiral Ugaki Awarded to Kings Point Academy

World War II Japanese Surrender Sword Analyzed by Metropolitan Museum of Art Expert

[Bugyotsuji]

47 minutes ago, Kiipu said:

Reportedly, one of Admiral Ugaki's swords is on display.  It was donated to the museum by General MacArthur in 1945.

World War II Japanese Surrender Sword Analyzed by Metropolitan Museum of Art Expert

Interesting article, but short on meaningful detail. For example what does this mean? 400 years old, so 1600s, or 14th century, so 1300s? Can't be both. 

 

It’s a “very good sword” Ogawa finally announced. The weapon is about 400 years old, made in the 14th century style.  He determined it is a naval-style samurai sword, signifying a high rank.

[rematron]

"14th century style" : so not 14the century but in the style of 14th century is how I read that sentence.

[Kiipu]

The museum has a picture of the fittings and they depict a Naval Type 97 Guntō.  The picture is large enough to zoom in and read the plaque.  However, Admiral Ugaki could not have surrendered the sword per se as he was already deceased.  He made one last flight on 1945-08-15 and did not return.  Possibly the sword belonged to someone else?

American Merchant Marine Museum History

[Kiipu]

Quote

Surrendered Sword

Of

Vice Admiral Matomu Ugaki

Commanding The Japanese Naval Forces Of

Hokkaido And North Honshu

 

If the press release and plaque is correct in that it is coming from the Commanding Officer of Japanese Naval Forces of Hokkaido and Northern Honshu, then the sword belonged to Vice-Admiral Ugaki Kanji 宇垣完爾, commander of Ōminato Guard District 大湊警備府 from 1945-03-15 to 1945-11-30.

Ōminato Guard District

[Kiipu]

The surrender took place on USS Panamint (AGC-13) on 1945-09-09 at Ōminato, Aomori Prefecture  The links below will provide background information and pictures of the surrender.  Vice Admiral Ugaki can be seen at the crew photo link along with his signature at the bottom link.

USS Panamint (AGC-13)

USS Panamint (AGC-13) Crew Photo Collections

ORIG WW2 Japanese Surrender USS PANAMINT Navy ship booklets-1945 Japan-vtg-photo

[PNSSHOGUN]

The tall officer in the middle with glasses is General Hoshino, his sword was sold some time ago: http://www.guntoartswords.com/010802.html

 

 

 

[Kiipu]

Well I be darned, that is his signature below that of Vice Admiral Ugaki.  The plot thickens!

星野利元

Fiftieth Army (Japan)