Description:

East Asia, Japan, Showa era, ca. 1930s to early 1940s CE. A katana sword in full military koshirae, likely produced and carried during the WWII period. The blade is machine-made and oil-tempered, showing a softer temper. The tang (nakago) bears the stamp of the Naval Armory and inscriptions identifying the maker, following the practice of recording smith names in this period. This blade is modeled as a copy of a Mino School style, characteristic of Showa manufacture through the early 1940s. It remains unsharpened near the habaki (blade collar), suggesting the blade was newly finished at the time. The saya (scabbard) is iron with copper-iron alloy fittings, and the tsuba (guard) is brass. The tsuka (hilt) is wrapped in brown cord over rayskin, with a brass menuki depicting cherry blossoms - an iconic motif of Imperial Japan. Size of blade: 25.5" L x 1.25" W (64.8 cm x 3.2 cm); in koshai: 38.5" L x 2.5" W (97.8 cm x 6.4 cm)

Provenance: private Fort Collins, Colorado, USA collection

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#195643

  • Condition: Chipping and losses to pigment on saya sheath. The blade has a large chip to the tip. The katana remains in good overall condition with light surface wear consistent with age and use. The fittings, wrap, and saya exhibit minor abrasions and patina, but all components are intact.

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July 25, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000