1805 Dated Katana by a Famed Japanese Swordsmith in World War II Army Officer Mounts

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 38 inches, with a blade length of approximately 26 inches. The blade is very bright, showing some spots and scratches, while displaying a visible temper line and with scattered tiny nicks on the cutting edge. The blade itself is engraved (the engraving of a blade known as a “Horimono”), with one side bearing the kanji for “Inori Bu’un Chokyu”, or “Prayers for Continued Success in the Fortunes of War”, while the opposite side displays a fire breathing “Dragon in the Clouds” design. The long tang has two mounting holes and it is signed “Suishinshi Masahide”, while the opposite side of the tang has the date of “Bunka 2nd Year [1805] A Day in August”. The tang also has the “Koku”, or seal, of Masahide. Online research indicates that the NBTHK (“Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai”, or “The Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword”) generally classifies the blades created by Masahide as “Tokubetsu Hozon”, meaning “Especially Worthy of Preservation”, although this particular sword has not been submitted to the NBTKH for review and classification. Masahide’s real name was Kawabe Gihachirō. He was born in 1750 and he died in 1825. The sword’s ray skin grip is wrapped in the traditional style with golden brown fabric, with the wrap showing some slight soiling from handling. Beneath the wrapping are the standard military menuki of three gilt cherry blossoms. The tsuba guard is the pierced style with relief cherry blossoms. The brown scabbard paint exhibits age and wear with scuffs, abrasions, and areas of paint loss. The fittings and scabbard exhibit a good “field used” appearance, while the sword, when drawn, presents a remarkable blade.