In VGC, a Gimei Inoue Shinkai Japanese Katana Sword in WW2 Civilian Army Cover in high polish
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VGC = Very Good Condition. Gimei = not authentic mei (bladesmith’s signature). NB: “Gimei” is an old / period untrue mei signature; it is not a “fake” in the normal term. Many “Gimei” swords have quality, often very high quality, “dedication” blades; made by a good, sometimes great bladesmith in dedication of the original smith. This katana has a very high quality traditionally made / forged Gimei dedication blade. You know it is not a modern fake because it comes with a Japanese “Torokusho” Firearm and Sword Possession Registration Certificate
The Gimei mei reads;
井上真改 Inoue Shinkai one side, (菊紋) 延寶七年八月日 (Kiku-Mon Seal) Enpo 7 (1679), a day in August to the obverse.
NB: A kiku-mon (菊紋) is a 16-petal chrysanthemum crest carved or stamped onto the tang (nakago) of traditional Japanese blades. It signifies imperial authority, high status, or a special privilege granted to select master swordsmith, particularly during the Shinto and Edo periods or among elite imperial smiths like the historical Kiku-ichimonji group
The quality tsuka / hilt furniture (rayskin, tsuba, menuki, kashira, fuchi, ito), saya / scabbard and particularly the leather cover are mid 20C (WW2 era). We suspect the blade is Shinshinto era (1781 to 1876).
NB: A standard katana blade length (nagasa) typically ranges from 60 to 80 cm (24 to 31.5 inches), measured in a straight line from the tip (kissaki) to the ridge at the back of the collar (habaki).
The 24 inch nagasa (cutting edge section excluding habaki) blade is in high polish / very good condition with superb Noture (wavey) hamon and Ayasugi (undulating) hada / grain. The quality tsuka / hilt furniture (rayskin, tsuba, menuki, kashira, fuchi, ito) is in very good condition. The saya / scabbard is very good. The leather sword cover is a little aged and won but still very good. The katana sheathes and draws well.
A great quality Japanese Gimei Katana is high polish and very good condition for just £1200. Please quote item reference AJ52. Full sized / additional images available upon request. Box?
