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Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £1,295.00

Early WW2 Japanese Army Officer’s Type 98 Shin Gunto Sword With Patial Smith Signature ‘HIZEN KUNI’ (Possible Gendaito) , Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 19377:4 -. This sword has been assessed by a UK based Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. His assessment accompanies this piece. In exerts from the assessment he states “A Type 98 Shin Gunto with possible Gendaito blade. Partial Mei 2nd part rusted away due to jungle campaign ? Tsuka Hilt shows heavy use, water damage rotted most of fish skin under binding, which is intact but very dirty. Still got sarute loop and menuki. With a bit of detective work I have come up with 2 possible men who both started their Mei with the address HIZEN KUNI. This is a very uncommon prefix to a showa period name. John Slough has 2 men listed (Takaguchi family name) Masatsugu a RJT Swordsmith Star Stamp * made medium to high grade blades page 106-107 good comparison or Kino Shita (family name) Yosh Tada. He was also a RJT smith Rikugun Jumei Tosho army approved rated Medium to high grade swords. Very good match both men same Kanji style same horizontal kiri file marks & tang shape. Heavily buffed by previous owner needs professional polish to restore blade. The steel saya scabbard has also been heavily water damaged. It has been covered with a quality leather foul weather cover in 3 pieces fitted around carring ring and ashi mounts, professionally done by a qualified saddler ? attractive looking job. This could be restored polished to bring out beauty of blade. The 2 possible smiths are my conjecture. Made C1940”. In illustrations of the blade which are included in the assessment he translates the tang markings. He states overall length 33”. Cutting edge 24 ½”. He describes Hamon as’ Ko (small) Suguha with irregularities difficult to see’. He observes Yakote line buffed away. Tang end as Nakago Jiri shape (rounded). The price for this sword with expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 19377:4

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £1,295.00

**Pre War Civilian Blade Mounted For WW2** Japanese Officer’s Type 98 Shin Gunto Sword Shop Factory Katana Sword With Rare Edo Period Iron Tsuba, Leather Field Service Combat Wrapped Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 20904 -. An original Japanese Officer’s Sword. The sword has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written notes and illustrations accompany the sword. In extracts from his notes he states “A Type 98 pattern shin gunto army officer’s sword with unsigned medium quality Sowa to blade made in a sword shop factory. Looks oil tempered at lower heat producing slightly fuzzy temperline hamon with nioi crystal edge. A wide blade with quite crude tang possibly pre war (no arsenal marks). Possibly stored in shira saya resting mounts (2 holes) before mounting for war. Quality silver foil habaki. Saya wood covered with leather field service wrap (needs small repair to tear at top). Tsuka is plain brass, han dachi mounts not gunto pattern with civilian menuki, wrapped in brown military ito, good condition. Never had a locking catch. Has a brass sarute loop (wartime add on). Tsuba is antique Namban (foreign style) cast iron chiselled, polished on one side, traces of gold highlights. (Bowl shaped tsuba probably made in the Chinese enclave at Nagasaki in Japan. Design of sacred fungus & foliage with raised Chinese style seppa dai. Edo Period 17th / 18th century. Quite a rare tsuba. A pre war civilian sword mounted later for war service in good carried & used condition. An interesting addition to a collection”. In his illustrations Bill describes the cutting edge as 64 cm and total length 81.5 cm. He also describes and illustrates other blade measurements and characteristics (illustrated in image 2). The price includes UK delivery. Sn 20904

Nation : British
Local Price : £1295

Click and use the code >21763 to search for this item on the dealer website Most Rare Silver Presentation British Raj Imperial Police Officer´s Sword. The Very Same Type of Rare Officer´s Sword Carried by George Orwell, Author of Animal Farm, 1984, When He Was Assistant District Superintendent of Imperial Police of Bu

Nation : Chinese
Local Price : £1295

Click and use the code >25382 to search for this item on the dealer website Fine Scarce, Antique, Chinese Dadao Sword, Ching Dynasty. Used From the Opium Wars and The Boxer Rebellion. The Ching or Qing Dynasty Was Founded From 1644 and Ruled Until 1912.

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £1,275.00

WW2 1944 Dated Japanese Officer’s Arsenal Gunto Sword With Smith Signed Tang ‘KATSU NORI’, Scabbard With Leather Field Service Cover, Expert Assessment & Carry Bag / Cover. Sn 20891 -. An original late WW2 Japanese officers sword. The sword has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written notes and illustrations accompany the sword. In extracts from his notes he states “An arsenal blade (no stamps) Murato bar stock steel, oil tempered with an artificial temperline put on with polishing stones. Late war quality dated 1944 signed ‘Katsu or Kiyo or Tatsu Nori’ (Katsu Nori is the preferred reading). In bright condition. Only one man in my books using this name. An R.J.J (army approved smith) in Tottori. Family name Yoshida probably not him. He was a good smith. Couple of finger marks some scratches. Saya plain honoki wood (no paint) with a tidy leather cover. Tsuba gunto pattern, cast brass all its gilt. Late war quality mixed metal seppa washers. Tsuka hilt gunto pattern all complete brown ito bind and fish skin intact. Hilt mounts all their finish. No sarute loop. Menuki lost its gilt. A very tidy example of a late war arsenal officer’s Gunto”. In his illustrations of the tang and blade he describes the cutting edge of the blade length as 65 cm & full length as 85.5 cm. He also translates the tang date and smith signature and describes other blade characteristics and dimensions (illustrated in image 2). The sword is accompanied by a cloth carry bag cover. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 20891

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £1,275.00

WW2 1943 Japanese Officer’s Type 98 Shin Gunto Arsenal Katana Sword With Dated & Smith Signed Tang ‘Bishu (province) Ju (living in) Masa Hide (art name) Saku (made this)’, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 20902 -. An original WW2 dated Japanese Officer’s Sword with signed tang. The sword has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written notes and illustrations accompany the sword. In extracts from his notes he states “A Type 98 shin gunto army officer’s sword dated 1943, with no arsenal stamps. Looks like an oil tempered showa to which has undergone the Yaki Ire process producing a nioi edge to hamon after heating and quenching in oil. Looks medium quality. It is signed by its maker ‘Bishu (province) Ju (living in) Masa Hide (art name) Saku (made this)’. There are 3 men working in the war time period 1939-45 using this name but none with Bishu place of residence. Needs more research to identify which man. Bright condition showing through surface scratches & staining. Needs a polish. Saya scabbard is expensive for its time, aluminium (light weight but reacts with paint finish & throws it off over time. Paint patchy in places). Tsuba gunto pattern with mosy of gilt gone marked with unknown inspector’s mark (illustrated in image 2). Tsuka good gunto pattern all complete with working safety catch & cord for sarute loop. Brown ito wrap dirty. Bronze finish still on metal fittings, some gilt left on menuki. Worthy of restoration and research. Nice example of its type”. In his illustrations Bill translates the tang signature and 1943 date. He describes the cutting edge as 64.5 cm and total length 86 cm. He also describes and illustrates other blade measurements and characteristics (illustrated in image 2). The price includes UK delivery. Sn 20902

Nation : ?
Local Price : £1250.00

Flintlock Officers Pistol by Hawkes Moseley & Co.. A Flintlock Officers Pistol by Hawkes Moseley & Co. With sighted octagonal barrel, signed along the top flat (rubbed) foliate engraved breech with single platinum line and platinum plug, foliate engraved tang fitted with rear-sight, stepped bevelled lock signed and engraved with scrolling foliage, fitted with a sliding safety catch, full-stocked in walnut and cut with chequering at the grip, with a dark horn fore-end cap, engraved steel trigger guard, decorated with foliage on the bow and turned ramrod pipe, with captive ramrod. HAWKES MOSELY & CO. Hatters, Cap and Helmet Makers, Sword Cutlers and Gunmakers, 22 Piccadilly, 1810-20; 14 Piccadilly, 1821-52. Became Hawkes & Co. Military tailors. Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London, 1350-1850. George Shumway Publisher. USA. Dimensions: Bore: 16 Bore Barrel Length: 8 Inches (20.32 cm) Overall Length: 13 Inches (33.02 cm)

Nation : British
Local Price : £1,250.00

British Georgian Mameluke Sabre. Indian Wootz Steel Blade. Circa 1800. #2407010. This Mameluke sabre dates to the reign of King George III (1760-1820) and has an Indian wootz (crucible) steel “trophy” blade. The use of Mameluke sabres by British officers became popular in the late 18th Century after the defeat of the Tipu Sultan in 1799. Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington fought in the campaign against the Tipu sultan and was a proponent of the efficacy of Mameluke sabres.Indian wootz steel is high in carbon as a result of first removing the impurities in the heated metal by repeatedly hammering out, folding and re-hammering the raw iron. Carbon is then added by re-heating the iron in a crucible with wood chips. At an extremely high temperature, the metal absorbs the carbon from the burnt wood. The resulting high carbon steel is then forged into billets that have a fine-grained appearance. These billets can then be forged into blades of superior quality that hold a fine edge.The grain pattern within the steel is a result of repeated folding and hammering of the heated metal to uniformly distribute the carbon throughout the steel. Its aesthetically pleasing grain is a byproduct, and not the main intention as is seen in modern forged, highly decorative blades. The 740mm curved blade has a flat spine and terminates in a hatchet point. The blade is un-fullered and single edged. The edge remains very sharp and has four small use-related nicks. The grain of the steel is faint and more visible in some areas than others. The blade is in very good condition and is free from rust and tarnish.The ivory hilt is engraved with chevrons and a fan-like centre piece. The ivory grip scales are held firmly in place by rivets with decorative domed caps. One cap is missing. The ivory is in good condition with only a small crack on the left-hand scale. The langueted steel cross-guard is in good condition and free from rust. There is some small movement of the blade in the hilt, something that is common with antique Mameluke sabres.The sabre is complete with its steel scabbard with twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in very good condition and is free from rust and damage. The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.This is an excellent example of an early 19th Century fighting Mameluke sabre. The sword would have been carried by an officer either serving in or recently returned from India.UK ivory submission #CCLKPVEJ

Nation : French
Local Price : £1250.00

French Heavy Cavalry Troopers Sword. A French AN XIII Heavy Cavalry Troopers Sword, With spear point blade cut with twin broad fullers on each face and signed along the back edge, ‘M. FACTURE IMP. LE DU KLINGENTHAL, JUIN 1811' the ricasso struck with inspectors marks, brass three bar guard, leather bound grip, (original wire missing) original steel scabbard with two suspension rings. Dimensions: Blade Length: Overall Length:

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £1,250.00

**ANCIENT BLADE** Satsuma Rebellion Clan**Post 1600 Japanese Shinto Style Large O’ Wakizashi Or Uchigatana Single Handed Sword With Edo Open Winged Crane Iron Tsuba & Scabbard With Expert Assessment. Sn 21228 -. This is a Japanese O’ Wakizashi or Uchigatana with ancient blade. The sword has been examined by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg and a copy of his assessment notes accompany the sword. In extracts of his notes he states “A Large O’ Wakizashi Or Uchigatana Single Handed Sword under 24” cutting edge. This style & size became popular in the Shinto post 1600 period age of peace. It has an unsigned tang & is out of polish, cannot see the hamon on most of the blade making it difficult to assign it to an individual school of work. From the tang shape its mino style but very complicated hamon (what I can see) looks Bizen work. It needs a professional polish to show the beauty of the work but worth it. Smiths started to blend different influences into their blades at this time. Saya is Honoki wood with what was a bright red lacquer finish, some damage towards mouth with old repair. Quality horn ito loop finished with one shakudo shita dome. Tsuba is in cast iron copied off earlier pierced example, theme is open winged Crane, wing touching beak. Eyes inlaid with shakudo metal (nice quality) late Edo Period. Tsuka is Satsuma Rebellion period hilt 1870’s, munition quality wrap, 2 pieces of rusty metal as menuki, with red saya & rebellion hilt possibly carried by Satsuma Clan Rebels. Taken out of storage &put together for the rebellion late 19th century. An interesting sword. The Kashira on handle is possible Mino / Goto school piece”. In his illustrations of the blade he describes the cutting edge of blade as 54.5cms. Total length 69.5 cms. He also describes other blade characteristics and dimensions which can be seen in the images. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 21228

Nation : ?
Local Price : £1250.00

Flintlock Officers Pistol by E. Baker of London.. A Flintlock Officers Pistol by E. Baker of London. With round sighted barrel, stamped with London proofs, plain tang, flat bevelled lock signed ‘E. BAKER' ring neck cock (small crack at front of cock) full-stocked in walnut with regulation brass mounts comprising side-plate, trigger guard engraved ‘309', ramrod pipe and captive ramrod. BAKER Ezekiel born 1758. Workman of Henry Nock (to whom formally apprenticed), 1785-7. Gun barrel maker, 8 Fieldgate Street., 1789-90. Gunmaker, 23 Little Alie Street., 24 Whitechapel Road., 1804-23; also at Pall Mall, 1814. Proof House at Size Yard, Whitechapel Road., used special proof marks. Traded as Ezekiel Baker & son, 1823-36. Gunmaker to Ordnance from 1794; East India Co., 1803-22. Gunmaker in Ordinary George IV. His rifle adopted by British Army in 1800 and named after him. Author of Remarks on Rifle Guns 1801. Cavalry Rifle adopted, 803. Inventor of improved flintlocks, bayonets, bullet moulds and a gun stocking machine. Awarded silver medals by Royal Society of Arts, 1816, 1821-2. Died 1836. Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London, 1350-1850. George Shumway Publisher. USA. Dimensions: Bore: 16 Bore Barrel Length: 8.75 Inches (22.25 cm) Overall Length: 15 Inches (38.10 cm)

Nation : -
Local Price : £1,250.00

US Ames Model 1861 Naval Cutlass. US Ames Model 1861 Naval Cutlass date stamped 1861 on the ricasso plus Ames Mfe Co Chicopee Mass on the reverse. Brass half basket riveted to knuckle guard with leather grip bound with twisted brass wire. The blade single edged and slightly curved and complete with black leather scabbard with brass mounts and sewn with rivet to end made in the style possibly a later replacement.

Nation : British
Local Price : £1,250.00

British 1796 Blue and Gilt Cavalry Officers Sword. British 1796 Blue and Gilt Cavalry Officers Sword by Woolley and Co, steel regulation hilt with leather bound grip secured by silver twisted wire. The curved blade with engraved gilt decoration including GR crown. Royal coat of arms, trophies of arms plus floral designs and Woolley and Co. The blue and gilt is good and bright on one site the reverse however is faded. Complete with steel scabbard in good condition. For further information please see Robson Swords of the British Army revised edition plate 59 Overall length 95cm blade 82cm

Nation : British
Local Price : £1,250.00

1831 Pattern Officer’s Mameluke Sword of The Rt Hon Lord Kenyon. A George V 1831 pattern Officer’s mameluke sword, the 84.5cm curved single edged blade with bayonet tip, etched Royal Crown and Prince of Wales Feathers to one side, George V cypher to the other, with proof slug in Star of David to base, set to a regulation gilt brass hilt with cast Prince Of Wales Feathers, shaped replacement grip and rosette fastenings, with sword knot and white metal scabbard Provenance: The Estate of Lord Kenyon, Gredington.

Nation : Swedish
Local Price : £1,250.00

Swedish m/1791 Hussar Trooper’s Sword. Description Curved blade with double fullers, one narrow and one broad &#acute;a la Montmorency&#acute;, double-edged at the point. Plain regulation stirrup hilt with faceted rectangular langets, quillon, bevelled knuckle-guard, and one-piece backstrap with slightly beaked pommel cap. Grip of pressed leather over cord-bound wood. Leather washer. Steel wood-lined scabbard in two sections, exposed wood section between them painted black, with two hanging rings. The outside of the hilt is stamped with &#acute;K.2 : 9IL13 : 384&#acute;. The upper hanging ring swivel of the scabbard is stamped &#acute;IL13 : 384&#acute;, indicating a matching pair. This is (I presume) a Swedish unit mark, perhaps following the format of regiment : squadron : weapon number “ deeper research might reveal a great deal about this specific sword&#acute;s history. Sweden&#acute;s first corps of hussars was created in 1757 at the outset of the Seven Years&#acute; War, taking inspiration from the Hungarian Hussars, which served as auxiliaries to the Prussian army of the time. These Hungarians were considered the best light cavalrymen in Europe and their equipment, dress and tactics were hugely influential. One of the first Swedish Hussars, enlisting in 1758 at the age of 16, was no less than Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, who was captured by the Prussians in 1760, switched sides to join their Belling Hussars and grew to become the most capable and highly-decorated commander in Prussian history. A sabre for the Swedish Hussar regiments was officially approved in 1759, essentially a copy of the successful Prussian Model 1742 (which also inspired the British 1788 Pattern Light Cavalry sword). The m/1759 was in due course replaced by the m/1791, which deviated slightly from the Prussian format with a simpler scabbard and square rather than tapering langets. The m/1791 would have been carried by Hussar units into the Napoleonic Wars when Sweden joined the Third Coalition against France in 1805. Their army fought in Hanover and Swedish Pomerania, notably including the Great Sortie of Stralsund, in the aftermath of which the Swedish hussars distinguished themselves in cutting off retreating French forces: a mere 4 hussars successfully captured 104 French soldiers on the road to Neukalen, while 42 hussars under Bror Cederström secured both a French baggage train and 209 soldiers from the 72nd Infantry. Swedish forces were driven out of Pomerania back to Sweden in September of 1807. At this time the m/1791 was replaced in some regiments by the new m/1807 sabre, while others appear to have retained it until the introduction of the m/1814 or the m/1825 sabres. The blade has a number of nicks to its edge and a rounded tip, which appears to have broken and been reshaped. The grip is in very good condition for its age, but there are some small losses to the leather at its edges. Some surface flaking to the paint on the exposed scabbard section. The scabbard has numerous small bumps and dents to the metal sections, none of them major. The leather washer has quite roughly cut edges “ I can&#acute;t be sure, but it may be a replacement.

Nation : British
Local Price : £1250

Click and use the code >22525 to search for this item on the dealer website Very Good 19thC. Ship Captain´s Spring-Bayonet Side Lock Pistol of Penzance

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £1,250.00

Japanese Military Wakizashi. Japanese Military Wakizashi super mounts and knot. The scabbard wooden with leather cover and is complete with leather hilt cover. The blade in need of polish and the tang with two holes no signature over length 78cm the blade 53cm

Nation : British
Local Price : £1,250.00

Victorian H L I Officers Cross Hilt Sword – Henry Alexander Schank. Henry Alexander Schank Esq of Castlerig and Gleniston entered the army as Ensign in the 91st in 1871 became Capt. in the 71st Highland Light Infantry in 1880 and served in the Zulu war of 1879, and in the Egyptian war of 1882 Cross hilt sword with fish skin grip and correct pommel, the blade broad sword with two fullers with good clear engraving one side with regimental details and crown the reverse with owner crest and his name Alexa Schank 1st HLI dated March 1884 complete with steel scabbard, maker marked Harvey Birmingham overall length 96cm the blade 92cm please note the sword is slightly smaller in width to a regulation sword however the correct length

Nation : Russian
Local Price : £1,250.00

Presentation Mahogany Sword Case Field Marshall Sir John Fox Burgoyne. Presentation Mahogany Sword Case Field Marshall Sir John Fox Burgoyne with glazed, fitted interior lined in plum velvet and mirror glass fitted into the inner side of the lid to reflect the contents on display once opened, the exterior with brass escutcheon enclosed in a brass frame, the former engraved with crossed field marshall’s batons within a pair of fronds and the latter with the owner’s name. The case split into two sections both with locks and catches no key overall dimensions 39.0 cm; 15 3/8 in x 102.5 cm; 40 3/8 in x 11.8 cm; 46 Â½ in Notes: Sir John Fox Burgoyne (1782-1871) was a distinguished solider, described by Napoleon III as ‘ the Moltke of England’ in 1870, following his own defeat by the Prussians. He received a gold cross with one clasp for Badajoz, Salamanca, Vitoria, San Sebastian, and the Nive, and a silver medal with three clasps for Busaco, Ciudad Rodrigo, and the Nivelle. He became a knight of the Portuguese order of the Tower and Sword. For his services in the Crimea he gained the Mejidiye (first class) and the decoration of grand officer of the Légion d’honneur. Burgoyne was the eldest of four illegitimate children of Lieutenant-General John Burgoyne (1723-1792) and the singer Susan Caulfield. He was baptized at St Anne’s, Soho, 15 August 1782, and named after his father and his sponsor, Charles James Fox. He advanced to the rank of field marshal on 1st January 1868, aged 86, with ‘a special and exceptional’ allowance of Â£1500 per year to mark ‘the value of his services. Due to the size and weight shipping free within the UK worldwide at cost

Nation : British
Local Price : £1,250.00

British Heavy Cavalry Officer’s 1796 Pattern Dress Sword. British Heavy Cavalry Officer’s 1796 Pattern Dress sword with double-edged blade engraved with trophies of arms, GR, crown and floral decoration plus makers details Osborn and Gunby. Short central fuller, regulation brass hilt, boat shell guard and ovoid pommel and part original grip of twisted silver wire please see images complete with leather scabbard age wear with gilt brass mount incorporating 2 loose rings and frog stud. Overall length 99cm the blade 82cm for reference please see Swords of the British Army Revised Plate 61

Nation : -
Local Price : £1,250.00

Scots Guards Sword Named to Major Lord Hesketh WW2. Scots Guards Sword Named to Major Lord Hesketh WW2 by Wilkinson Sword number 66203 in excellent condition. Regulation hilt with fish skin grip and knot, the blade fully etched with battle honours to both sides plus GVR and owners initials F F H, the reverse with regimental devise. Complete with matching scabbard and storage bag again with initials F F H

Nation : British
Local Price : £1,250.00

18th Hussars 1821 Officer&#acute;s Sword by Wilkinson. 18th Hussars Victorian Officer&#acute;s Sword 1821 pattern regulation three bar hilt chequered pommel and fish skin grip. The blade engraved 18th Hussars regimental badge, WATERLOO and PENINSULA plus V R and crown to both sides. Maker marked Henry Wilkinson London and numbered 29696 – further research needed. Complete with steel scabbard. Information: Reference: Swords of the British Army Plate 78 Blade Length: 35.0 inch Overall Length: 41.0 inch

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £1250

Click and use the code >20993 to search for this item on the dealer website Set of Exceptionally Beautiful & Fine Edo Period Complete Suite of Samurai Tanto Mounts { Koshirae }. A So Called, Samurai Doctor´s Sword, With a Wooden Blade Only

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £1250

Click and use the code >25319 to search for this item on the dealer website Beautiful & Superb Quality, Antique, Late Victorian, Finely Engraved Silver & Mother O´Pearl Handled Sword-Cane. A Most Elegant & Sophisticated Work of Art In Near Mint Condition.

Nation : Hungarian
Local Price : £1250

Click and use the code >21358 to search for this item on the dealer website Good, & Very Rare, German Third Reich, WW2 Wehrmacht 14th Kavallerie Regimental Sword

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £1,245.00

**ANCIENT BLADE**1469-1487 BUN MEI DATED**Japanese Muromachi Period Yamashiro Den School Katana Sword Blade Signed With Bosho Or Awa Province Address In Protective Wood Shira Saya Resting Mounts & Expert Assessment. Sn 21981 -. This is an ancient Japanese blade which has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written assessment notes accompany this blade. In his notes Bill states “Ancient Katana blade (dated Bun-Mei) ran from 1469-1487. For its age over 600 years old this is still in good condition. Now showing small signs of tiredness in places, open grain and has been patched in 2 places by having new skin steel (kawagane) plugged into kizu, one not very well (illustrated in our images).. Other than this a good quality Yamashiro Den sword. What is left of the inscription address says ‘Bosho’ or ‘Awa’ (province) and date starts ‘Bun-Mei’ (1469-87). Needs more research to identify smith. In good old Japanese polish. Mounted in 20th Century shira saya resting mounts. A nice example of a Yamashiro blade from mid to late Muromachi period”. In his illustrations of the blade he adds ‘cutting edge is 58.5 cms, total length is just under 73.5 cms’. He also translates the tang markings, identifies polisher’s marks & describes other blade and tang characteristics and dimensions which can be seen in the images. The price for this ancient blade with expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 21981

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £1,245.00

**ANCIENT 1580’s -1680’s BLADE**Japanese Wakizashi Short Sword Tribute Signed ‘BISHU OSAFUNE MOTO SHIGE’ By Unknown Smith In Homage To An Earlier 14th Century Famous Smith With C1600-50’s Iron Tsuba, Ko-Gatana Knife Scabbard & Exp. This Wakizashi with ancient blade has been examined by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg and a copy of his assessment notes accompany the sword. In extracts of his notes he states “It appears to date to 1580’s to 1680’s period, end of Koto (old sword) into Shinto period. It has a very good Bizen curve & shape and has a good strong stone polish, with precise shinobi and yakote lines, still healthy & good thickness to sides. Looks like it would polish well. Surface is covered in old black finger rust and fine scratches, obscuring any grain. You can only se the hamon in some clear patches. Looks a nioi edged ko-notare based on suguha but the original polish is obscuring the activity in the hamon. Signature looks like a homage one put on as a tribute to a famous smith, signed ‘BISHU OSAFUNE MOTO SHIGE’, this is definitely not a 14th century blade which is when this man worked, so a quality blade by an unknown smith. Needs a good professional polish. Saya is good quality Honoki wood covered with black lacquer good condition but some small patches of damage. Finished with horn kurikata & a Ko-Gatana in side pocket withreplacement blade. Has a good quality kodjuka soft metal in shakadu with Nanako & gold leaf, crayfish & banner all gilt intact, one small bit of damage to edge. Tsuba is ancient iron oval plate pattern copying Musashi work Circa 1600-1650, good condition, some old rust. Tsuka hilt is 19th century put together, blue ito wrap, fish skin small bits missing. Menuki tiny pouch clasps (odd), copper plain fuchi with very good kashira carp in waterfall. A nice looking sword”. In his illustrations of the blade he describes the cutting edge of blade as 44cms. Total length 56cms. He also describes other blade characteristics and dimensions which can be seen in the images. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 21350

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £1,245.00

WW2 1943 Japanese Army Officer’s Shin Gunto Showa To Katana Sword Smith Signed Tang ‘Bu’ (Military Patriot?) Or ‘Take’ (Shi Family Name?)’ Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 19501 -. This sword has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written notes and illustrations accompany the sword. In extracts from his notes he states “A Shin Gunto army Officer’s sword with Showa To bar stock? Oil tempered blade (heavy). It has been buffed bright so I cannot see forging work. Signed with one kanji name? Can be read as TAKE or BU (military). There is an oshigata by this smith or pupil of this smith in John Slough’s book of Modern Japanese Sword Smiths page 169 for comparison where he signs TAKE HISA and also has 2 x ‘W’ stamps on Nakago same as this blade (please note unable to photograph the ‘W’ marks identified by Bill). He (the smith) is listed working in Aichi in Showa period and making medium grade Showa To. Needs polish to see work in mid war quality parade metal saya, green paint finish is worn but in overall reasonable condition. Gunto tsuba in good condition some original patina, matching numbers on seppa and tsuba. Tsuka good condition complete with fuchi matching number to tsuba and seppa. All hilt mounts have finish and gilding (broken locking latch). Only needs sarute loop to complete it. Don’t know why he (smith) did not complete his art name. Same as book definitely the same man as in Slough’s book, same hand cut both inscriptions. An interesting example of its type”. In his illustrations Bill translates the signature on the tang and date (Spring 1943), provides measurement of the blade and other dimensions which can be seen in image 2”. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 19501

Nation : ?
Local Price : 1,675.00 USD

EUROPEAN RAPIER C.1650-80. A good example of a type which evolved about 1645 in response to changing social customs and swordsmanship and remained popular for about a generation. It has a fine 19 5/8” blade of diamond section. The iron hilt is boldly chiseled with flower buds and foliage. Fine silver wire-wrapped grip. A substantial weapon clearly intended to meet an attack in the streets. Such attacks were usually clandestine and with a knife, making the compact proportions of this weapon ideally suited for the counter-attack. Known to collectors, as pillow swords in recent years, they were more likely known to their owners as scarf swords. Norman discusses this and the method in which they were worn in The Rapier and Smallsword 1460-1820, Norman, page 186. Its contemporaries in Northern Europe were the transitional rapiers and occasional dish-hilted rapier. Smaller than either, it was able to be worn in social settings where the larger weapons were prohibited. Size, and thus weight, which in motion equates to inertia was always balanced against agility. In this weapon, the choice is for the latter.

Nation : ?
Local Price : 1,675.00 USD

EARLY 18th CENTURY EUROPEAN HANGER. All iron construction with 25 7/8” straight blade. The right side with narrow fuller 2/3 its length. The left, unfullered. Both with remnants decoration, a figure flanked by clusters of X's. The guard with an oval ring with original filler plate and curved quillon. Iron grip with integral bulbous pommel. The hilt elements decorated with scrolling foliate line work. The weight of the iron hilt lends balance for enhanced control. Rare form.

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £1,225.00

Pre WW2 December 1938 Dated Japanese Civilian Sword With Possible Gendaito Artisan Smith Signed Regulation Military Length Blade Possibly ‘TOMO KAZU SUKE’ / ‘SUKE MITSU’ With Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 20547. -. This sword has been assessed by a UK based Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. His assessment accompanies this piece. In exerts from the assessment he states “Civilian katana, pre-war manufacture December 1938. This blade possibly made by an artisan & not trained sword smith. The mei (signature) is crudely written, especially the 1st kanji of name, cannot pin it down, tried numerous translations could be ‘Tomo Mitsu’, ‘Kazu Mitsu’ or ‘Suke Mitsu’. There is one Suke Mitsu showa period, a smith working as a gunto arsenal smith. Regulation military length at 25 ½”, no arsenal marks could be basic Gendai. Or high grade showa-to with a Nioi oil tempered blade, hamon unusual Hosho Suguha, no grain visible, a very clumsy looking sword, not in good polish. Saya good quality Honoki wood with thick black lacquer with its Kurikata for Sageo cord. Tsuba is Mokko (4 lobe) shape in a Sentoku brass metal possibly been blackened to match Shakudo Fuchi & Kashira on hilt (Tsuka). With Gunto Cherry Blossom menuki. Hilt with brown ito tape which is frayed with age. An interesting example, needs more research”. In illustrations of the blade & tang which accompany the assessment, Bill states that the cutting edge is 25 ½”, total length is 32 ¼”. He translates the tang date & signature as far as possible and describes other blade characteristics and dimensions (illustrated). The price for this interesting Katana worthy of further research with expert assessment includes UK delivery. Sn 20547.

Nation : Japanese
Local Price : £1,225.00

**FAR EAST BRING BACK**WW2 Japanese NCO’s Type 95 Katana Gifu Prefecture Swords Coop, Kokura Arsenal Marks, Scabbard Brought Home By British Cpl John Weddle Bowater 114th (Sussex) Field Regt Royal Artillery 25th Indian Div & Original Photo Of The Sn. The 25th Indian Infantry Division was an infantry division of the Indian Army during World War II which fought in the Burma Campaign. The 114th (Sussex) Field Regiment Royal Artillery was formed in May 1939 with two batteries. The Regiment served in the far east during WW2 as part of the 25th India Division and was re-designated 114th Jungle Field Regiment. Post war the Regiment was disbanded in January 1947. British Corporal John Weddle Bowater served with the 114th Field Regiment 25th India Div in India, Burma, Malaya & Egypt. Towards the end of WW2 the 25th Div took many Japanese army prisoners and many surrendered Officer’s swords. This excellent original Japanese NCO’s Katana was brought back from the Far East by Cpl Bowater and it remained in his possession resting un-touched leaning against his fire place at home. John passed away in 2002 and the sword was inherited by his Grandson. This sword, new to the market has the typical aluminium cast handle with lanyard ring and fully functioning scabbard retaining clip. The handle retains much of its original brown paint. Its fullered, 27 ½” blade is stamped on one side ’18469’ and with inspection mark. The blade is clean. The hilt is stamped with 1929-45 Kokura Arsenal mark and Gifu Prefecture Swords Cooperative / Union mark (see page 185 of Swords Of Imperial Japan by Dawson) together with inspection mark. It is complete with its original scabbard which has a single hanging ring. Its throat mount has faint number which looks like 44364. The scabbard has period hand applied paint marks on both sides. One side has ‘114th Field Regt 25th Indian Div’ the reverse has ‘India, Burma, Malaya & Egypt’, most likely all applied in the field by Cpl Bowater before return to his home in England. The sword is accompanied by an original black & white 4 ½” x 3 ¼” photograph of Cpl Bowater (in uniform) and an off duty colleague, which looks to have been taken in barracks somewhere in the Far East. The price for this sword worthy of further research regarding Cpl Bowater’s service includes UK delivery. Sn 20827.