A Beautiful Samurai Daisho. An Absolute Bargain A matched Daisho comprising a Shinto period Shoto and a Showa Daito. Matching battle wrap. The Tsuba are, Edo period and sukashi iron. The lacquer on the sayas has been slightly damaged [and basically repaired] and one saya has lightly faded. We have been quoted to fully re-lacquer the saya, to fully match once more, at around £250 ps. The traditional Samurai wore two distinctly differing swords (called Daisho). One was long; the other short. The long sword (daito - katana) was more than 24 inches. The short sword (shoto - wakizashi) was between 12 and 24 inches. The Samurai often gave names to their swords and believed it was the "soul" of their warriorship. The oldest swords were straight and had their early design in Korea and China. The Samurai's requirement for ever tougher and sharper swords for combat and battle and these gave rise to the curved blade that is still in use today. The sword had its origins as iron combined with carbon. This is how all great blades are made. The swordsmith used fire, water, anvil and hammer to shape the world's finest swords. After forging the blade, the sword polisher did his work to prepare the blade for the "furniture" that covered it and within it was mounted. These Swords have a battle wrap to the Tsuke [hilts] with Edo era sword fittings.The Shoto blade is in full polish, the Daito blade is in around 85% polish. We are selling these swords for the benefit of a highly respected non UK based client.

A Gendaito Japanese Officer's Sword of WW2 Signed Nagamura Kanekiyo Signed Nagamura Kanekiyo. A good and well recorded Gendaito [traditional] maker. He was born in 1894 and died in 1964.He received his traditional sword makers licence in 1939 on the 26th of October. He was ranked 4th in the Fine New Made [Samurai] Sword Exhibition in Japan of March 1941. He appears in Hawley's Book [of Samurai Swordsmiths] reference KAN1216 and KAN 1217. He also appears in Gregory and Fullers Swordsmiths of Japan 1926-1945, Oshigata numbers 120 & 357 and John Slough's Modern Japanese Swordsmiths no's. 221, 227. A good traditionally made Samurai sword with good hamon but probably would much improve with a good polish. Leather mounted scabbard, Shingunto mounts. Surrendered in 1945.This sword is 'straight out of the woodwork', simply kept in storage since it's surrender and left entirely 'as is' since it was last used. There is no doubt at all this sword's owner, a devoted and most loyal officer of his Emporor, saw considerable combat service, but sadly all of this is now unknown and lost to history.

A 600 Hundred Year Old Ancient Koto Katana with Wonderful Koshirae This is a beautiful sword that was surrendered as a war trophy in WW2 and the saya is still covered in it's Imperial Japanese Navy black leather combat cover [with the two naval type suspenders]. The whole sword is fully traditional samurai mounted otherwise. This is a traditional Samurai sword of a Japanese WW2 naval officer's ancestor, who may have possibly been from a long and distinguished line of Samurai forbears. The blade when it arrived with us was very poorly grey, but over the past few months we have had the blade polished and it has now returned. You can see the blade as it is now, but also in the gallery how poor it looked before, I think all will agree it has been totally transformed. The mounts are decorated with gold and silver and depict insects and birds and the menuki are pure gold overlay of Shishi [lion dogs]. As the blade is so old, as one must expect, there can be seen one or two very tiny natural age pits, and a couple of very small edge to edge combat nicks, but none are larger than around the size of an ant's eye. To return this sword to it's orioginal Samurai form one can either relacquer the saya after removing the leather, or have a separate new saya made. We can arrange for either of these if required. Some of course may prefer to keep this Katana exactly as it is, as of course it does show that it was continually used for nigh on 600 years as a Samurai warrior's combat sword, for likely twenty generations, right up to the end of WW2, when it was used by the men who considered themselves the last Japanese warriors vested with the rules of Bushido, the true and ancient traditional Samurai code. Photo 9 shows the yakiba close but inside the edge.

A Beautiful Ancient Koto Katana Circa 1530 Deep wide blade with wide full length hi and thin inner hi on both sides. Long Kissaki. Thin sugaha hamon typical on the era. Shibuishi gold and iron fushi kashira decorated with gold and silver ornamentation of drums, pouches and fans. A pait of very fine gold dragon minuki under the traditional wrap. An o sukashi tsuba of prunus branches and blossom. Superb lacquer saya with matching mounts of iron.

A Beautiful and Elegant Koto Wakazashi With polished rayskin saya, horn Kurigata and silver Kojiri. Gold inlaid Shibuishi Fushi, gold and silver crane Minuki under gold wrap over traditional Same. Horn Kashira. Superb Tsuba in full relief swirling seas and with gold and silver birds, in fine detailed relief, in flight. Two piece gold and silver Habaki [blade collar]. Gunome [gently undulating] Hamon. Polished rayskin Saya are a good indication of quality as the process and cost was very labour intensive and highly expensive. The rayskin [called, Same, {pronounced sarmee} from the skin of a giant ray fish] was formed, dried, then hand polished down to form a perfectly smooth surface. The size of the nodules were important, as, for the status of the wearer, it was the larger the better. It was then stained and dyed and applied to a wooden saya to form the sword scabbard known as the Saya

A Beautiful Antique Japanese Tanto A fine Samurai's dagger around late Koto to Shinto era. Signed blade, Sukehiro, with super Hamon. Deep brown lacquer stone ground saya in original Edo era lacquer. Matching brown hilt wrap. A Kodsuka pocket on the saya which is, interestingly, lined with early embossed and coloured leather. Good Shakudo Fushi, plain copper tsuba, and buffalo horn Kashira and scabbard mounts. Blade quite bright showing good grain in the Hada.

A Beautiful Antique Shinto Samurai Edo Tachi in the 15th Century Style A fine and very impressive traditional Samurai court sword, known as the Tachi, with a most attractive suite of original Edo period matching court fittings, covered in gold and finely engraved, with a matching corresponding gold lacquer to the saya. The blade is signed Rai Kunifusa but it is unlikely to be a period signature as Kunifusa was a highly praised early smith who lived before the time this sword was made, during the Shinto era. It was not uncommon for earlier and great master smiths names to be put on blades that were not actually made by them, and these signatures are called gimei. Also, smiths that worked in the same style or school of a notable smith may also use his given name.The blade is in around 95% original polish with some of the mounts retaining 98% of the original gold finish, excepting the kashira , kojiri and tsuba that have been the exposed areas subject to wearing of the gilt from the court Kimono.The Tsuba is in a traditional Tachi tsuba multi plate form with some plate age seperation. Not including the stand as shown.

A Beautiful Edo Samurai Senior Retainer's Jingasa Helmet Decorated all over in abilone shell lacquer with clan mon on the underside. One of two stunning helmet we acquired and two of the nicest we have seen in years.

A Beautiful Koto Katana by Osafune Yoshimitsu A 'sleeper' Samurai sword of around 500 years old that has lain untouched for likely 200 odd years. The blade has a stunning elaborate hamon and saya of fine original Edo era lacquer of pine needle patterning. The all original Edo Koshirae [hilt mounts] are in shakudo [bronze copper] and decorated with relief flowers over a hand hammered nanako ground. The iron Tsuba is decorated in relief with birds and a bamboo grove.

A Beautiful Koto Katana, of Stunning Form. This blade on this sword shows beautiful activity including what is known as 'summer lightning' within the Hamon. The fittings are a full suite of matching Shakudo mounts with Dragon Minuki. The tsuba is a superb Hawk preying on small birds in O sukashi and signed. The Saya is decorated with pine needles under lacquer. 26.75 inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A Beautiful Koto-Shinto Wakazashi of Exemplary Order, A Museum Grade Piece We have the greatest pleasure in offering this magnificent Samurai sword will all original Edo era fittings of the most wonderous quality. A full matching suite of Koshirae, probably Goto school, Edo era, of Takabori [deeply carved relief] Prunus in Shakudo and gold. Blade signed Kanesada circa 1600, with all original polish and a deep Notare hamon of the finest water. Finest decorated lacquer work to the saya. The Fushi Kashira both have prunus with beetles, the Kodsuka has Shishi with prunus. SOLD

A Beautiful Original Antique Samurai Daisho. Around 300 to 400 years old With superb polished rayskin saya and finest quality full suite of Kashirae of cockerels and hens in gold Shakudo with Nanako including the matching Kodzuka. Early Shinto era blades with beautiful Hamon. Charming Sukashi Tsuba. The daisho is a Japanese term referring to the traditional weapons of the samurai. The daisho is composed of the katana and the wakizashi. The daito, meaning big sword, and shoto, meaning small sword, The katana, the longer of the two swords, was typically employed in man-to-man combat. The wakizashi made an effective main-gauche or close-combat weapon. A daisho allows for defense while fighting or the fighting of two enemies. Also, the daisho allows the fighter to have a longer or more widespread fighting range. Polished ray skin was, at the time of the Samurai, some one of the most expensive and highly prized forms of decoration to be used on sword scabbards [Saya]. It was the same material as is used on sword hilts under the binding, but the large and small protuding nodules were hand polished, for hundreds of hours, to create a highly polished flat surface, that was then hand dyed and thus created a decorated scabbard with immense natural beauty.

A Beautiful Original Edo Period Wakazashi Saya Superbly decorated in multi colour patinated copper soft metal strips. A wonderful high end saya that would compliment any suitable blade that may fit. Small repair required at the throat and opening. 17.75 inches long

A Beautiful Samurai Koto Tanto Fully matching suite of Koshirae including a pierced tsuba depicting a relief pony and with a matching pony decorated Shakudo Kodsuka and red leather over decoration stamped with the Kamon of crossed Hawkfeathers. A good blade probably Koto era with a running itami grain. The bottom of the saya is embellished with an applied relief gilt bronze fighting cockeral. The tanto differs from others Samurai edged weaponry as it was designed primarily as a stabbing instrument, but the edge can be used to slash as well. Tanto first began to appear in the Heian period, however these blades lacked artistic qualities and were purely weapons. In the Early Kamakura period high quality tanto with artistic qualities began to appear, and the famous Yoshimitsu (the greatest tanto maker in Japanese history) began his forging. Tanto production increased greatly around the Muromachi period and then dropped off in the Shinto period. Shinto period tanto are quite rare. Tanto were mostly carried by Samurai; commoners did not generally carry them. Women sometimes carried a small tanto called a kaiken in their obi for self defence.It was sometimes worn as the shoto in place of a wakizashi in a daisho, especially on the battlefield. Before the 16th century it was common for a Samurai to carry a tachi and a tanto as opposed to a katana and a wakizashi.

A Beautiful Samurai Shinto Wakazashi Reduced by an Incredible £1,000 ! ! ! This is ideally for the benefit of our regular clients who view our site every day, and offerred considerably and well under cost price, but as a thankyou for their continued and regular custom. But please decide quickly our very infrequent back catalogue sale weapons can go very quickly indeed!. We have a regular stock of many hundreds of swords but we place on sale only a very few every year to make room for newly added or expected stock items. A Most Attractive Shinto Wakazashi. Signed Nakago Possibly late Koto to early Shinto era blade with a thin Sugaha Hamon. Good Edo mounts, double habaki, plain good quality bronze Koshirae with cushion shaped Kashira. Unusual gourd shaped iron tsuba, blue wrap over shakudo minuki. Brown Edo era lacquer saya, with cloud design incised, and flattened sleeve shaped end. Blade now beautifully repolished. A Wakizashi was used as a Samurai's weapon when the katana was unavailable. When entering a building, a Samurai would leave his katana with a servant or page who would then let it rest on a rack called a katana-kake, with the hilt pointing left so that it had to be removed with the left hand, passed to the right, then placed at the samurai's right, making it difficult to draw quickly, and reducing suspicion. However, the wakizashi would be worn at all times, and therefore, it constituted a side arm for the samurai (similar to a modern soldier's use of a pistol). A samurai would have worn it from the time he awoke to the time he went to sleep, and slept with it under his pillow. In earlier periods, and especially during times of civil war, a tanto (dagger) was worn in place of a wakizashi. For some swordsmen, such as Miyamoto Musashi (1584 – 1645), the blade was used as an off-hand weapon while the favored hand wielded the katana in order to fight with two weapons for maximum combat advantage. Contrary to popular belief, the wakizashi was not the sole tool used in the ritual suicide known as seppuku; this usage was also commonly assigned to the tanto.

A Beautiful Shinto Katana Circa 1600 With a full suite of multi coloured signed Shakudo mounts of superb quality all following a theme of a moonlit night over a tree with a crane flying in front of the moon at the tree top with a turtle at the foot of the tree. The Tsuba is square with a spilled basket at the bottom of the tree. The blade has a beautiful hamon in around 85% original polish and overall this is a most lovely sword. The saya has an very fine quality original Edo lacquer of pine needles and abilone, most beautiful and highly intricate.

A Beautiful Shinto Katana With Full Hi Circa 1650 this Katana has a superb blade with beautiful Choji Hamon with crabclaw. 3 mekugi ana in the tang. Full suite of matching edo Koshirae with matching Kojiri, gold folded fan Minuki. Now repolished this shows beautiful activity in the hamon. 27.25 inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A Beautiful Shinto Wakazashi Polished rayskin saya, Shakudo Koshirae, fine Kodsuka depicting mount Fuji. Inscribed by the smith, Tango [no] kami Kanemichi. Blade shows good Notare Hamon with islands of deliberate Tobeyaki . Small elements of light surface rust that need to, ideally, be polished out. Most attractive pierced Tsuba with gold rims and highlights. Price includes repolish.18.75 inches blade length, Tsuba to tip Polished ray skin was, at the time of the Samurai, some one of the most expensive and highly prized forms of decoration to be used on sword scabbards [Saya]. It was the same material as is used on sword hilts under the binding, but the large and small protuding nodules were hand polished, for hundreds of hours, to create a highly polished flat surface, that was then hand dyed and thus created a decorated scabbard with immense natural beauty.

A Beautiful Shinto Wakazashi A Good Samurai Wakazashi Blade Circa 1650 Signed Idzumi no Kami Fujiwara Kunesada. Fully remounted in antique Edo fittings with no expense spared. Shakudo Kashira inlaid in gilt and Shibuichi of figures under a moon,. Fuchi, possibly Goto school depicting a dragon with gold highlights, in high relief, signed. Carved by Seiun sai Hiroshige koku. Edo Sukashi Tsuba of ponies. He was a highly rated smith and the father of Inoue Shinkai [Shinkai being one of the finest Shinto smiths ever to have lived]. The signature is very good but there is a distinct possibility it may be gimei. Beautifully polished showing a super Sugaha hamon.

A Beautiful Shinto Wakazashi Fully refitted and with a re-lacquered saya. A fine signed Shinto blade in full polish, by Izumi kami Kunesada, circa 1660. Gold foil Habaki. Good Gunome Hamon. Blade in super order. A nice, early Edo, Sukashi Tsuba. An Edo copper Fushi with finely detailed tendrils, flowers and Nanako, a lacquered wood Kashira. Ka-mon Minuki. The Habaki [fitted blade collar] is an old Edo example with some old fracturing to the gold and slightly loose.

A Beautiful Wakazashi With Very Fine Gold and Bronze Goto School Mounts Shinto period. Unsigned probably by one of the fine Tamba smiths, such as Yoshimichi made circa 1600. It has a stunning and beautiful, typically Tamba Hamon in around 85% polish. Good curvature, gold ribbed habaki [blade collar]. This is a wonderful Samurai short sword, by one of the finer smiths of the Shinto era with gorgeous gold and bronze fittings. A wonderful and fine Tsuba inlaid with gold flowers leaves and tendrils.

A Fabulous and Rare, High Rank Samurai, Edo Period Horse Pack Saddle The whole frame is beautifully decorated with crushed abilone shell and the arch mounts engraved with family Clan crest or Mon. To be fully lacquered, finely embelished, and bearing the clan mon, the conclusion is fair that it is a high ranking piece, for the transport of weapons, armour boxes or even women, in the baggage train of a Daimyo. They amy also have been used for the transport of the women or weaponry of a senior ranking Samurai. This is a spectacular piece and they are very rarely seen, and the few that have survived over the centuries are more usually the fairly crude utility examples, completely undecorated and very plain. Over the decades we have had early Japanese woodblock prints showing a procession of horses, in a Daimyo's or Shogun's entourage, some occasionally show a pack saddle exactly such as this, with it's distinctive high crested top. They were usually racked with tanegashima [arquebuss guns] or even polearms. Also, in one early print three women are seated on one example. They may have been attendant's for a Daimyo's consort.

A Fabulous Edo Samurai Senior Retainer's Jingasa Helmet A high rank helmet In stunning deluxe laquer in gold in Takamakie (raised lacquerwork), and Kawarinuri (fancy lacquer) with a superb clan mon [crest]. This is without doubt one of the most beautiful and fine quality helmets of it's kind we have seen in may a year

A Fabulous Samurai O-Tanto with Delightfully Fine Mounts A large Tanto almost Wakazashi size. Shinsinto period, signed blade and signed fittings. The signature is in an unusual form and it's translation, as yet, eludes us. The fittings are all bronze and hammered with with fine gold and probably the much sought after Goto school. Supern Kodsuka with gold foil and carved. Leather covered saya with iron and gold Kojiri. Gold rimmed bronze tsuba with nanako ground and Shishi. Lacquered leather bound hilt.

A Fabulous Sword in the Style of the Greatest Edo Master, Minamoto Kiyomaro This sword is in the style of the most eminent shinshinto smith, Minamoto Kiyomaro. It has a beautiful blade showing wonderful hamon typical of Kiyomaro school with rounded gunome hamon. A typically large blade with a Matahaba [width] of 3.25cm and Nagasa [blade length] of an amazing 78 cm. A most attractive iron sukashi Tsuba of a waterwheel with a silver fukurin rim. Fine gold decorated mounts of very nice subtlety. Second only to Masamune, in the eminince of swordsmiths, he was certainly the finest swordsmith to have lived in the Edo period. Born in 1813 the second son of Yamaura Jizaemon Nobutomo of Saku in Shinano province (present-day Nagano Prefecture). He followed his elder brother Saneo into the swordsmith's craft under Kawamura Toshitaka of the Ueda clan. In 1835, Kiyomaro went to Edo to continue working under the name Masayuki and enter the military academy of Kubota Kiyone. In 1839, Kubota arranged for the commission of a hundred swords from Masayuki by the families of the young men in the academy, in recognition of Masayuki's skill and need for encouragement. Masayuki is said to have made only one sword before fleeing to Choshu province. In 1843, he returned to Edo, and two years later Kubota again helped him to set up a forge in Yotsuya. In the following year, Masayuki adopted the name by which he is better known, Kiyomaro, and flourished as the "Yotsuya Masamune." He committed suicide at the age of forty-two. His life was filled with immense difficulties and his production of swords was painfully small. However he made many swords that were completed yet unsigned by him. His students went on to become some of the greatest Shinshinto smiths in their own right such as Masao, Kiyondo, Saneo and Masahide .It bears the signature of Minamoto Kiyomaro dated 3rd Year of KA-EI [1848] His unsigned swords became Alto mei swords, and were signed posthumously by his students, and it would be nice to hope that this is one of those examples, as although this blade bears his name is is highly unlikely it was by his hand at all. A sword known as 'Kotetsu' and according to Yasu Kizu's pamphlet on the swordmaker Kotetsu, that may actually have been made by Minamoto no Kiyomaro. Yasu described him as a swordmaker of high repute roughly contemporary to Kondo, and it was carried by Kondo Isami. Kondo Isami was a Japanese swordsman and official of the late Edo Period, famed for his role as commander of the Shinsengumi. The Shinsengumi members were originally known as the Miburo , meaning "Ronin of Mibu". However, the reputation of the Shinsengumi became tarnished quite early on, and their nickname soon changed to "Wolves of Mibu". They were appointed by the Tokugawa shogunate to protect Tokugawa Iemochi. As one might expect being possibly the second highest rated smith in the world of Samurai swords if it was by the great man himself it would likely be as near to priceless as one could imagine, however, we do not believe it was made by Kiyomaro and we are pricing it accordingly, as a wonderfully impressive sword bearing the greatest name of the Edo era, but, with interesting possibilities, that may well be revealed one day. We have sent the blade for repolishing.

A Fabulous, Early, 15th Century Koto Katana An ancient sword up to 600 years old!. With a gorgeous long blade with full length Hi [fuller] and Chu-Kissaki [small tip], typical of the early Koto era. It's beautiful polish shows a very pretty hamon with much light and elegant activity. Signed iron Tsuba decorated with a Sage seated under a flowering tree in blossom. Early Edo iron fittings decorated with gold and silver. Edo era wrap over giant rayskin Same [pronounced 'Sarmay]. The sword was made in the great Warring period of Japan when combat throughout the whole islands of Japan was a daily occurrence and the rivalry between clan and clan saw some of the greatest conflicts in Japanese history. These conflicts eventually culminated in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1599, likely the most significant battle in the Samurai era.Blade length, Tsuba to tip, 28.25 inches

A Fine & Beautiful Shinto Samurai Tanto Hira-zukuri Koshi-zori form, in full polish, Omokumi Hada, Midare based on Notare Hamon, in Shirasaya. Mumei Tang

A Fine & Beautiful Tachi By A Good Samurai Smith A rare form of Tachi of O Wakazashi size with an almost straight blade. Beautifully mounted and fitted. Shinto era around 1640. Signed by the eminent smith Echizen Ju Harima Daijo Fujiwara Shigetaka, Most impressive hamon and beautifully signed Tang. One mekugi ana silver plugged. 23 inch blade from the Tsuba. 23.25 inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A Fine Ancient Koto Era Samurai Battle Sword Signed Moritaka [Circa 1480] Chikuzen province. A most handsome ancient sword of around some 530 summers that is most charmingly fitted with Edo era mounts including beautiful gold shishi [lion dog] menuki and a carved horn kashira, hawk feather pattern fushi. A pierced sukashi iron tsuba. Original Edo era lacquer saya. The whole katana is traditional Samurai battle mounted with simplicity in mind but with areas of reserved elegance. The blade is unusually long at 28.25 inches from tsuba to tip with a Suguha hamon. The Chikuzen province resided on the Island of Kyushu. During the late Kamakura period, the Samurai of this area were under attack by waves of new foreign invaders. The most significant attacks came in 1274 and 1281, by the Mongols, under the rule of Kublai Khan. The Mongol invaders were a foe that the Samurai had not encountered before and were thus, ill equipped to deal with their new enemy. Heavy Mongol armor severely tested the strength of the Samurai implements. As a result, Chikuzen swords evolved at that time towards becoming more break resistant, paying little attention to aesthetics. A Battle sword from the great warring era of Japan, the period of the Battle of Sekigahara and for the entire Tokugawa era up to the Meiji period. Excellent condition wrap binding. A very inexpensive sword, considering, amazingly, it was made around the time of the Wars of the Roses, in England, and the reign of King Richard IIIrd. And any fine European sword from this age and era, in this condition, would likely cost at least ten times this price.

A Fine Handachi Mounted Katana Koto era blade circa 1550. The blade with two mekugi-ana, midare hamon (some staining), fully bound tsuka with gilt fuchi and kabuto-gane decorated with foliage, large copper and gilt dragon menuki, and iron sukashi tsuba, in its black ishime lacquered saya with shakudo mounts decorated with waves within gilt rims. 27.5 inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A Fine Japanese Shinto Samurai O-Tanto [Large Dagger] Very fine quality Edo era fittings of Takabori [deep carved relief] prunus in Shakudo [with nanako] and gold, in Goto school manner. Signed Kodsuka in matching design of prunus in Shakudo with nanako. A super lacquered Saya with a bottom section decorated with fine crushed abilone lacquer and a top section overlaid with embossed leather in the form of leatherwork acquired from the Portugese traders who arrived in Japan in the early 16th century. Fine signed blade by Sukekane with deep active hamon and distinctive Yakideshi. The blade has just been polished and looks absolutely super!. New photos to follow.

A Fine Koto Era Chisa Katana of Good Quality.O suriagi blade. is a short katana. A katana was two shaku or longer in length (one shaku = about 11.93 inches). However, the Chisa katana is longer than the wakizashi, which was somewhere in between one and two shaku in length. The most common blade lengths for Chisa katana was approximately eighteen to twenty-four inches. They were most commonly made in the Buke-Zukuri mounting (which is generally what is seen on katana and wakizashi). The chisakatana was able to be used with one or two hands like a katana (with a small gap in between the hands). The hilt was usually around ten to eleven inches in length, but could be longer or shorter depending on the Samurai's preference. This Chisa katana is most unusual in that it is mounted Handachi tachi style, and with very nice quality shakudo Koshirae. The Kashira is a decorated in relief with Samurai in full armour, with his sword set a tiger's tail saya, holding a baby, with a tree blossom background and on a nanako ground. with it's matching fushi decorarated with the blossom over a nanako ground. This may well represent the legendary Samurai General, Kintaro. Each minuki, under the wrap, is of a pair of dancing Shishi [lion dogs] The blade has two holes punched in the nakagoi with just a single kanji remaining visible. A very active hamon in around 80% original polish, and with a burl grain hada. The Tsuba is iron sukashi and pierced with the ancient conch shell Jinkai [war trumpet] The trumpeter was called a kai yaku. The jinkai served a similar function to drums and bells in signaling troop formations, setting a rhythm for marching, providing something of a heroic accompaniment to encourage the troops and confusing the enemy by inferring that the troop numbers were large enough to require such trumpeters. Many daimyo (feudal lords) enlisted yamabushi to serve as kai yaku, due to their experience with the instrument. The lacquer on the saya is completely worn away on one side and requires re-lacquering, which we can undertake. Due to age the blade face shows a little outer layer thinning as to be expected. The Habaki is silver foiled over copper with some foil wear.

A Fine Koto Period Tanto Around 500 Years Old Deep and rich brown wide ribbed lacquered saya and hilt with a most attractive blade that shows a very active Hamon. The whole Tanto is quite beautiful and the condition for it's age in very good indeed, with only a little wear around the mekugi ana on the tsuke.

A Fine Quality Shinto Katana Circa 1660 Beautiful blade a very highly rated master swordsmith. Importantly, it is signed with the mark Ichi, signed Ichi, Hishu Dewa (no) Kami Yukihiro. Shakudo botanical Koshirae [signed] and gold pony Minuki. Silvered double Habaki. Beautiful Hamon. It is believed that, with the nidai Tadakuni, Yukihiro travelled to Edo to learn the techniques of the old Ichimonji school as practiced by Shirobei Noriyoshi of the Ishido school. It is the Ichi from ichimonji that he inscribed on his nakago after this study visit. Yukihiro became the retained swordsmith of Nabeshima Sakyo and moved to Saga City, the provincial capital.Yukihiro was quite widely travelled for that day he even made swords in Hiroshima in Aki province. Eguchi believes this was due to a relationship with Norifusa who was originally from Saga, but had become the fief smith of the castle town of Hiroshima.Yukihiro received the title Dewa Daijo in the 5th year of Shoho (1648) and was promoted to Dewa (no) Kami in the 3rd year of Kambun (1663). 25. inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A Fine Wakazashi Probably Late Koto Early Shinto A beautiful blade in 90% original polish, with thin Sugaha hamon. Sukashi Tsuba of stormy waves with seaspray. A very attractive Saya, original Edo era, crushed abilone shell decoration, in an alternating dark green and dark red lacquer.

A Good Antique Edo Era Samurai Helmet Kabuto With iron hachi of eight plates. Ribbed copper tehan kanemono, three stage shikoro, downturned mabisashi. Maedate of a symbolic closed fan in carved wood and red and black lacquer. Interior retains original lining [worn]

A Good Early Tetsu Iron Tachi Katana Tsuba Four lobed Mokko Gata form. Pierced Udenuki-ana Sukidashi rim.Pierced with Hitsu-ana and Kogai Hitsu-ana

A Good Edo Samurai Pole Arm, Nagamaki no Wakazashi Around 500 Years Old With early blade sometime between the Koto to Shinto era. Photo shows original Samurai holding a Polearm [Yari]. Traditional pole with polished abilone shell décor and carved simulated iron ishizuki. More photos to follow

A Good Edo Samurai Pole Arm, Nagamaki no Wakazashi Around 500 years Old With early blade of the Koto era. A form of Samurai polearm Naganata made with a Wakazashi type blade. Traditional pole with polished abilone shell decoration. Good old Koto sukashi Tsuba guard, signed blade. A Picture in gallery shows the Samurai polearm in combat. Polished blade. The term naginata first appeared in the Kojiki in 712 AD and was used by Sohei warrior priests during the Nara Period, around 750 AD. It is most likely based on the Chinese Guan Dao. In the paintings of battlefield scenes made during the Tengyo no Ran in 936 AD, the naginata can be seen in use. It was in 1086, in the book Oshu Gosannenki ("A Diary of Three Years in Oshu") that the use of the naginata in combat is first recorded. In this period the naginata was regarded as an extremely effective weapon by warriors. During the Gempei War (1180–1185), in which the Taira clan was pitted against Minamoto no Yoritomo of the Minamoto clan, the naginata rose to a position of particularly high esteem. Cavalry battles had become more important by this time, and the naginata proved excellent at dismounting cavalry and disabling riders. The widespread adoption of the naginata as a battlefield weapon forced the introduction of sune-ate (shin guards) as a part of Japanese armor. The rise of importance for the naginata can be seen as being mirrored by the European pike, another long pole weapon employed against mounted horses. An excellent example of the role of women in Japanese society and martial culture at this time is Itagaki, who, famous for her naginata skills, led the garrison of 3,000 warriors stationed at Toeizakayama castle. Ten thousand Hojo clan warriors were dispatched to take the castle, and Itagaki led her troops out of the castle, killing a significant number of the attackers before being overpowered. Naginatas were often used by foot samurai to create space on the battlefield. They have several situational advantages over a sword. Their reach was longer, allowing the wielder to keep out of reach of his opponent. The long shaft offered it more leverage in comparison to the hilt of the katana, enabling the naginata to cut more efficiently. The weight of the weapon gave power to strikes and cuts, even though the weight of the weapon is usually thought of as a disadvantage. The weight at the end of the shaft and the shaft itself can be used both offensively and defensively. Swords, on the other hand, can be used to attack faster, have longer cutting edges (and therefore more striking surface and less area to grab), and were able to be more precisely controlled in the hands of an experienced swordsman. Blade length to Tsuba 17.75 inches, Pole Length 71inches, total 89 inches

A Good Iron Kozuka, Edo era Signed blade, ? Ki [Castle] yama chu Hiromichi

A Good Koto Samurai Sword Circa 1550 blade with deep choji hamon and mumei tang with 3 mekugi ana, bronze edo Koshirae engraved with billowing clouds with an early Iron Mokko shaped Tsuba. Smooth spiral effect [reminiscent to the look of a narwhal tusk] black lacquer saya. A sword made around two generations prior to the Battle Of Sekigahara in 1600. Blade has been re-polished and looks beautiful, showing a very nice Gunome based Hamon.

A Good Samurai Tanto. With Iron Edo Era Fittings Probably Koto blade, circa 1580, with suriagi nakago, two Mekugi ana, deep Hamon of, most likely, Sanbonsugi form, but ideally in need of polish. Early to mid Edo period Iron fittings with silver inlays, Crushed Abilone shell decorated Saya with Iron Kojiri. Very scarce Minuki, in copper, of Samurai armour Menpo face masks with tying cords. 20cm cutting edge 33cm overall long.

A Good Shin Gunto WW2 Officer's Tachi Signed & dated blade, Mantetsu no Kitau Tsukuru Korewo, howa Mizunoto Hitsuji Haru [made by Tsukuru in Mantetsu Steel in the 20th Zodiacal Cycle year of Showa, in the Spring]. A beautiful sword made with the distinctive, folded, hard and soft steel method, traditional shingunto mounts. Sugaha Hamon. Used by a Japanese officer in Manchuria in the War with China in WW2.27.25 inch blade measured Tsuba to tip

A Good Shinto Samurai Naganata Polearm Signed blade Bizen ju Sukemune. Blade in around 90% polish and shows a good gunome hamon. Nice polearm with crushed abilone decoration to the top section of the haft. The term naginata first appeared in the Kojiki in 712 AD and was used by Sohei warrior priests during the Nara Period, around 750 AD. It is most likely based on the Chinese Guan Dao. In the paintings of battlefield scenes made during the Tengyo no Ran in 936 AD, the naginata can be seen in use. It was in 1086, in the book Oshu Gosannenki ("A Diary of Three Years in Oshu") that the use of the naginata in combat is first recorded. In this period the naginata was regarded as an extremely effective weapon by warriors. During the Gempei War (1180–1185), in which the Taira clan was pitted against Minamoto no Yoritomo of the Minamoto clan, the naginata rose to a position of particularly high esteem. Cavalry battles had become more important by this time, and the naginata proved excellent at dismounting cavalry and disabling riders. The widespread adoption of the naginata as a battlefield weapon forced the introduction of sune-ate (shin guards) as a part of Japanese armor. The rise of importance for the naginata can be seen as being mirrored by the European pike, another long pole weapon employed against mounted horses. An excellent example of the role of women in Japanese society and martial culture at this time is Itagaki, who, famous for her naginata skills, led the garrison of 3,000 warriors stationed at Toeizakayama castle. Ten thousand Hojo clan warriors were dispatched to take the castle, and Itagaki led her troops out of the castle, killing a significant number of the attackers before being overpowered. Naginatas were often used by foot samurai to create space on the battlefield. They have several situational advantages over a sword. Their reach was longer, allowing the wielder to keep out of reach of his opponent. The long shaft offered it more leverage in comparison to the hilt of the katana, enabling the naginata to cut more efficiently. The weight of the weapon gave power to strikes and cuts, even though the weight of the weapon is usually thought of as a disadvantage. The weight at the end of the shaft and the shaft itself can be used both offensively and defensively. Swords, on the other hand, can be used to attack faster, have longer cutting edges (and therefore more striking surface and less area to grab), and were able to be more precisely controlled in the hands of an experienced swordsman. Blade length

A Good Sukashi Tsuba Koto Era Iron tsuba with mon piercing, pierced with Kodzuke Hitsu-ana and Kogai Hitsu-ana

A Highly Attractive Antique Suit of Original Edo Era Samurai Gosuku With Shinari Kabuto [acorn shaped helmet] of built up lacquer construction [some distressing to left side lacquer surface. With fully laced Shikoro [neck armour lames]. Open Menpo [face guard] without nose, with laced Nodowa [throat armour]. Dark brown lacquer thin plates with full lacing to the Do in Maru-do type form [breast plate without hinge, single side opening]. Chain mail over silk Kote [arm armour] with plate Tekko [hand armour]. Fully laced and plate Sode [shoulder armour] Fully laced four panels of Haidate [waist armour] Fully laced Kasazuri [thigh Armour], without lower Suneate. The armour is trimmed in printed and decorated doe skin and all the connection fittings are in traditional carved horn. This armour is all contemporary and, as far as can be ascertained, not composite. It's condition is very good indeed apart from the lacquer wear distressing to the helmet, some silk perishing on part of the thigh armour top section, and some colour fading to one hand armour lacquer.

A Japanes Zunari Samurai Kabuto [Helmet] A Zunari Style Kabuto, the type of Helmet design that was first introduced to Samurai armour in the 15th century. It became a highly popular style, and came in numerous forms.This example is possibly late edo. Plain iron plate skull with articulated neck defences, overall black lacquer. No lining.

A Japanese WW2 Officer's Sword with Very Early Ancestral Blade All traditional 1936 pattern mounts in good condition for age. Blue tsuka ito with traditional fiittings. The blade is probably Koto, 15th century, or possibly even earlier. In the ancient Ichimonji style. The blade has super Funbari and a beautiful and elegant form. Signed blade on the Nakago but not readable any longer. This is a very interesting piece, of great age and interest. This sword has now been re-polished and looks amazingly improved compared to how it was. There is still the odd flaw in the blade, which considering it's age it is only reasonable, and to be expected, but the transition has been breathtraking. We are leaving one pre-polish photo on the site so one can compare the incredible difference. It is well worth regarding all of the photos to see how much can be achieved with a re-polish..28 inch blade measured Tsuba to tip . For the Nihonto officionado this would without doubt be a sword of considerable interest, as by general consensus [when recently viewed by two Nihonto specialists] and it is likely a Ko-nio school blade [with the original Nakago, and the ha-machi reformed during it's mounting for WW2] and exhibiting many features as to expected of that school. However, the hagire would certainly exclude that direction of ownership. This sword is absolutely the preserve of the collector of beauty, age and history but not perfection. If one bears in mind a sword of this age, and particularly as it was last used in WW2, it has likely seen almost uninterrupted combat service for nigh on 600 years. During that period it may well have seen countless battle situations, and thus it is showing these scars, and any sword of this vintage that shows nothing but perfection has likely never seen anywhere near as much Samurai warfare as this beautiful sword has experianced.

A Japanese 1889 Regulation Pattern WW2 NCO'S Sword, Year 32 Type. Issued to Infantry NCO'S Superior Privates and NCO's of the Kempei [Military Police] from 1937 till 1945. They first saw service in the 1937-45 Chinese Invasion and Occupation known as the Manchukuo war [or the second Sino-Japanese War] and these swords were the short bladed version of the 1889 Cavalry Sabre, that [with a longer blade] were issued to the Army mounted divisions of WW2. They were also issued and used, alongside the standard 1935 pattern NCO's Katana, in the Japanese Army during WW2. In very good condition. No scabbard. Steel hilted, wooden grip, number stamped blade. Steel blade with central fuller. Overall very good condition, but a liittle cleaning to the blade would transform it.

A Katana by Master Prize Winner Fujiwara Kanefusa 23rd Generation Blade by 23rd Generation Kanefusa with the Kiku-sui crest carved as a horimono. Signed Noshu Seki ju Ni Ju San Dai Fujiwara Kanefusa saku kore. The Kanefusa were a line of swordsmiths of Mino Province that can be directly traced back to the 1400,s Muromachi era. The 23rd generation Kanefusa was a Showa smith of WW II and was a direct 23rd descendant of these famous swordsmiths. His born name was Kato Koichi. During the Showa period he studied under Kato Jumyo and worked in Seki (Mino / modern Gifu prefecture). He won numerous awards in sword exhibitions and contests during the Showa era. He was ranked 1st Seat (National Swordsmith) in the 6th Exhibition of Swords held in 1941 (Slough). He was ranked Kibin no Retsu in 1942 by Kurihara Hikosaburo at the Tosho Banzuke (J.Kim). Many of his blades are signed as being prize winning blades. His school of smiths is noted for making a special style of hamon known as "Kanefusa midare". His blades can on occasion bear the Minatagawa mon, but only a very few of his recorded surviving swords have this horimono as this blade has. It was originally feared that this blade was in such very poor condition that it was considered a very high risk restoration project. But, it was researched and repolished highly successfully, and we think you can see, even from these limited photos, it most fortunately survived unblemished and the risks, and most considerable costs undertaken, were well worth while. Occasionally, as in this case, we get such immense satisfaction when we are successful in saving such a [now] beautiful and historically interesting piece, effectively from destruction. Fewer than 30% of swords in this sword's state are salvageable, and are simply lost forever to future generations. This sword was saved and resurrected from near fatal neglect, but now looks as if nothing had ever been unhappy with it, and it would now grace any collection of prize winning Japanese master swordsmiths, and swordsmiths with significant historical ancestry. It comes with standard, worn, 1936 pattern Shingunto complete fittings and mounts.

A Koto Chisa Katana Around 450 to 550 Years Old A short long sword Katana known as the Chisa Katana. Repolished blade showing a jolly nice undulating Hamon with nice activity. The fittings are Edo era and are depicting dragons on the fushi and menuki and flowers on the kashira. The dragon fushi is on a hammered nanako ground with small gold highlighted areas, they are all highly attractive and nice quality. A most charming iron tsuba, fully signed, and decorated with flying geese. The saya is old Edo and a little worn in parts. The blade has a few areas of fukure [openings] due to it's age, which naturally influences the price. Blade approx 20.75 inches long from tsuba to tip

A Koto Era Samurai Tanto With very charming mounts including a horn hamadachi tsuba, horn kashira and engraved fushi. Pine needle lacquer saya and a most beautiful copper hilted kodzuka decorated with a samurai pony wearing saddle tied to a cherry tree embellished with gold highlights. The blade is completely grey and ideally needs to be polished. A very nice early piece over 500 years old that with some repolishing may well be transformed into a little gem.

A Koto Era, Ancient 600 Year Old Samurai Katana Sword of Phenomenal Beauty A sword that is a stunning example of original Samurai warfare from the great Warring era and the one of the greatest periods of war in the history of ancient Japan. And this is one of the most beautiful swords it has been our priveledge to own for some time. It is singularly, splendid, and a sumptuous sword set with strikingly, superb, sublime and stunning Edo period Soten mounts of Shakudo and finest gold with a beautiful matching Tsuba also signed. A highly hand polished and coloured rayskin saya of the finest quality, showing really wide nodules only to be seen in the finest Same [ pronouced Sahmay], that was made form the skin of the greatest giant ray. And judging by the size of the polished down nodules, an ancient fish never seen today. A most slender, elegant blade, fully polished, showing the typical Koto era chu-sugaha hamon and small Kissaki of the 1350 to 1400's and a lovely running grain in the hada with a few typical ware allways expected to be present in very early and ancient swords of this era. Mumei o suriagi Nakago.

A Koto Era, Over 500 Year Old Samurai Battle Sword In typical all over black décor of the traditional Samurai battle sword. Black leather binding over black Same [ray skin]. Hilt and saya in blackened handachi mounting, and the lacquer in a simulated stone ground finish. The sword bears a powerful blade, in good Japanese polish [around 85%]. Bears some inscription Kanji on the hilt.

A Koto Era, Very Ancient Battle Sword Circa 1440 In the Near Archaic Style A truly ancient style very long sword with a blade pattern of almost Chokuto form of the 850ad Heian period, and made some 550 to 600 years ago. The blade is barely a few millimeters off straight, and it has rarely seen form of hamon, that is most active early from the habaki, and then it becomes very thin and straight to the kissaki. Fine Iron fushi Kashira with silver clan mon. There are some thinning areas but this really is a most interesting and early sword that follows an even earlier style rarely seen in the 1400's. To put it in perspective in regard to this sword's age, when it was being used, by it's first Samurai owner in ancient Japan, these are the following events that were occuring at that time in Europe; in 1424 King James I of Scotland returns to Scotland after being held hostage under three Kings of England since 1406. In 1429: Joan of Arc ends the Siege of Orléans and turns the tide of the Hundred Years' War. In 1455 the commencement of the Wars of the Roses – the English civil war between the House of York and the House of Lancaster. Decades later, In 1481 the Spanish Inquisition begins in practice with the first auto de fé. And some 50 years later or so from when this sword was made, Christopher Collumbus lands in America in 1492. Blade from Tsuba to tip 30 inches long.Very nice mokko tsuba in iron with copper inlays. We have sent this sword for polishing and it has returned beautifully improved

A Koto Katana With Beautiful Iron Tsuba of Onlaid Gold, Silver Butterflies. Brown lacquer Saya with good blade, possible very faint traces of signature Kanji, but very indistinct due to considerable ageing to the Tang. Shakudo Handachi hilt mounts with a good gold Dragon Minuki. Very good Hamon on a strong, powerful blade that has substantial presence. Blade length, Tsuba to tip, 27 inches

A Koto to Early Shinto Era Seki Bladed Katana. With a firm substantial Seki blade showing superb grain and a good gunome hamon. Black lacquer saya with edo brass mounts matching throughout. Iron, early Edo tsuba with fisherman scene. Bound in rich dark blue tsukaito. A very attractive sword indeed, in good Seki style, with good dimensions, curvature and funbari, simple yet elegant. Blade now repolished and the hamon is really attractive and very nice indeed.28.25 inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A Koto Wakazashi Around 500 Years Old Edo era oval iron tsuba relief decorated with a tiger in a tree. Very attractive Fushi Kashira with a signature on the iron fushi that is relief decorated and inlaid with gold. It has a mountain scene with a pagoda. The saya is beautifully decorated with original Edo lacquer and an iron bottom mount. Interestingly the binding on the hilt is unique to one specific event in Japanese Samurai history, the Satsuma rebellion in 1877. The swords used in that short war were specifically bound in a most distinctive fashion that is very identifiable to that event. It means that this sword was used continually, by each successive Samurai owner, for around 500 years, and it was then finally used in the very last battle the Samurai ever had, [as can be seen, and quite well depicted, in Tom Cruise's movie The Last Samurai]. We have had this blade nicely polished, as, when it arrived it was in a very sad state. The blade was completely gray, and the blade face had no visible or identifiable features at all to enable condition appraisal or dating etc. before it's polishing.

A Kyoto School Kyo Sukashi Iron Tanto Tsuba Geometric openwork design of birds, 17th to 18th century Edo era.5.8cm Mokko Gata, Tetsu

A Large & Stunning, Antique Ivory Mounted 'Dragon' Jinja Tachi A Beautiful huge Jinja Tachi of sectional carved ivory [possibly walrus] depicting entwined relief Dragons. Most likely made for presentation to a Shinto Shrine or for an Exhibition during the 19th Century. The blade is old, worn and in a retired state, as is usual for swords of this form. Overall 43.5 inches long.This is a singularly attractive piece showing beautifully skilled carving, of full relief Dragons. This item must not to be confused with the relatively common, tourist 'export market' pieces, produced in Japan since the early 20th century, in fairly large numbers, which have crude, basic and rudimentary carving. The sword shows some small areas of old damage.

A Large Tettsu Iron Edo Era Tsuba. In Mokko form with folklore figure pointing to the river. Small copper highlights..Pierced with Hitsu-ana and Kogai Hitsu-ana

A Light & Elegant Koto Samurai Katana Circa 1400 This is a simply stunning Samurai sword and absolutely typical of the finely balanced swords of that ancient era. This sword was made in the time when the whole of the Japanese Empire was in turmoil, and internecine and clan warfare was absolutely rife. A very elegant slender blade, around 600 years old, with a thin Gunome based on Sugaha Hamon. Tori zori curvature, Chu Kissaki, very pleasing old ubu nakago, beautiful Shakudo Koshirae. The Fushi of a group of figures in a bamboo grove with silver and gold, the Kashira of a tree with blossom. Shakudo Minuki of Plums. A most attractive Tsuba in iron with copper relief inlays of turnulant seasprays and flying birds, probably early Edo era. The Saya has it's original Edo era lacquer finish with a few [as to expected[ skuff marks etc. Blade length, Tsuba to tip, 25 inches. The blade is unsigned.

A Minifestly Beautiful Soten Wakazashi, Koto Era, Circa 1500. Fine Signed Soten Tsuba and Fushi mount depicting full relief scenes of sages in a bamboo garden in gold embellished iron. Soten school mounts are of the most desireable of all the schools of sword mounting, and their quality and beauty are superb. A Good Koto Blade Circa 1500. Recently repolished Samurai short sword blade showing a beautiful, good, tight Choji Hamon with ashi and a small ware lamination opening along the hamon [as is to be expected with early, koto blades]. Double copper Habaki. A beautiful elegant blade probably Mino school.

A Most Attractive Late Koto to Shinto Era Wakazashi. With original Edo period lacquer saya of fine quality depicting a flowering branch and an exotic bird. Namban sukashi tsuba. Copper habaki copper fushi and carved horn kashira, bronze. Gilt and copper Kodzuka of entwined tassels.Fine blade but totally bright polished, with possible views of likely a sugaha hamon. Undoubtedly requiring re-polishing to reveal all the traditional aspects one needs to see in the hada and hamon. Two hole mumei nakago.This is a most endearing sword with a super saya and with polishing it should become a most beautiful piece.

A Most Attractive Nagamaki Naoshi Style Wakazashi. With typical Naga nata style double hi. Unokubi Zukuri Blade. Signed tang.Very distinctively 'Satsuma Rebellion' bound Tsuka with buffallo horn Koshirae. Probably a late Koto blade that saw much good service, to it's numerous Samurai owners over 400 odd years, and then last used at the very end of the existance of the Samurai, in the war of the Emperor Meiji reign, known as the 'Satsuma Rebellion'.This war was fairly well depicted in the film 'The Last Samurai' starring Tom Cruise. Early iron Tsuba, With Boars eye piercings one infilled with silverwith Ameda rays, Mokko Gata form, requires new Saya. The hilt is bound in this very particular way, that is only ever seen during this famous war. The Satsuma Rebellion was a revolt of Satsuma ex-samurai against the Meiji government from 29 January 1877 to 24 September 1877, 11 years into the Meiji Era. It was the last, and the most serious, of a series of armed uprisings against the new modernising government. It resulted in inevitable defeat and the end of the Samurai class. The last picture is of the Samurai leader Saigo Takimori's high command before the battle. For information only, not included.

A Most Attractive Shinshinto Samurai Battle Katana Recently repolished showing a fabulous Sugha hamon of great understated quality. A very restrained Samurai sword in the true understated Japanese style much regarded by collectors of Japanese art. A very interesting Tsuba in iron, decorated with a shi-shi [lion dog] and an elephant. Elephants very rarely appear in Samurai decoration and even more rarely on Japanese swords and weapons. Plain iron hilt battle mounts, and a pair of very nice minuki that are samurai banners. A very good sugaha hamon and a most charming saya decorated in deep red with black speckles and an good iron bottom mount.

A Most Attractive Shinto Kodzuka in Iron with Brass Vine Inlay Circa 1700. Simple iron blade.

A Most Beautiful and Remarkable Shinto Katana In a Full Dragon Theme Circa 1640 and made in the same time period as the English Civil War. Every part of this wonderfully attractive sword has representations of the Dragon. Including an irregularly shaped marubori sentoku tsuba of a coiled dragon, which matches and reflects all of the Koshirae [sword mounts] which are inlaid with silver and gold dragons. Also fully matching is the sayagaki [sword scabbard chape] which similarly inlaid with a silver and gold dragon to fully match the entire theme. A very fine 'sang de beouf' lacquer saya, fully inscribed with an overall billowing cloud pattern. The blade has a most elegant hamon with most beautiful features in around 85% original polish, and has an incredible six mekugi ana and is suriagi. The habaiki is gold covered and raindrop engraved of the best grade. This is a beautifull sword of eminent quality and form, that would grace the most discerning collection and compliment any elegant interior décor. One certainly doesn't have to be a collector of original Japanese edged weapons to admire and enjoy this beautiful object. The epitome of what a Samurai katana can be, a true 'art sword', in every sense of the word, that happens to be an eminently efficient weapon once made and carried by a Samurai of the highest rank. Overall 36.75 inches long. Blade, Tsuba to tip 26.75 inches long.

A Most Beautiful Edo Period [1599 to 1860] Samurai Matchlock Powder Flask Decorated with orange lacquer, with carved decoration of ferns and a black lacquer centre. The middle centre of both sides is mounted with a Meiji era silver 1 yen coin and a maiji era silver 1 trade dollar. A superb and rare example with this very scarce silver coin decoration feature.Very good superior Edo powder flasks for the Tanegashima and Teppu are very scarce now and incredibly difficult to find. Later replaced cords and plug

A Most Beautiful Koto Era Katana Set in Very Fine Signed Koshirae The blade is around 1450 to 1500 and in nice polish showing a gentle undulating hamon. The mounts are in shibuishi and showing exquisite caraftsmanship of the very highest beauty. A very attractive original Edo saya with fine multi toned lacquer.

A Most Charming Oval Tanto Tettsu Tsuba Inlaid With Gold Oval mokko shape intricately inlaid with delicate gold flower heads and leaves open Kodzuke Hitsu-ana. Mid Edo era 54mm

A Most Impressive Samurai Katana From the Shinshinto Era Fine Shakudo mounts all of a central theme of a Samurai and prunus. The Fushi Kashira decorated with full reliefs of Samurai in armour under a prunus in gold and copper. The Menuki are flowering blooms. The Tsuba is Iron and is decorated with a figure in a window under a prunus tree. The blade is long and most impressive and signed. The Hamon is typical Sugaha but the blade should ideally be repolished to show it at it's best. Signed Seishinshi Masayuki of Mito province.

A Most Interesting Samurai Tanto Made from an Early Samurai Yari Spear Head Set in an all black lacquer case saya and tsuke, with a central formed white metal koiguchi. A beautiful piece that would have been amazingly effective at samurai helmet and armour piercing in hand to hand close combat. This is a charming and most unusual early dagger that could be nicely repolished if desired. 9.5 inches long overall blade length 5.25 inches.

A Most Pleasing Koto Katana With An Elegant Blade This is a most attractive Katana around 500 to 550 years old. Unsigned blade with a nice clear hamon and tori zori. The fittings are iron Edo period, and the menuki are very nice quality inlaid with gold. An iron tsuba also Edo period. It has no saya so it will require a saya to be made. Long three hole mumei nakago. Most interesting iron fushi kashira decorated with relief frogs.

A Nice Early Samurai Wakazashi Circa 1400 Blade around 600 years old but in remarkably good condition for it's age, still in some original Japanese polish. Crushed abilone decorated emerald colour Saya with triple section black stripe over decoration. Gilt bronze fittings. Good sukashi iron Tsuba probably Shinto.

A Nice Koto Wakazashi With a simple Tsuka with an iron Higo style Kashira and a copper Fushi decorated with waves. Dragon Minuki. Charming slender blade with suriagi nakago, mumei. Brown ribbed saya. Lacquer requires attention which we are preparing to undertake. Plain Edo copper Tsuba in very good simple form. 18.25. inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A Pair of Decorative Japanese Sword Placques Made from a full set of pre 1937 ShinGunto Officer sword fittings [complete with tsuka and 'bulls blood' red lacquered wooden saya] that have been cut in two, equally, from 'bow to stern' and mounted on two dark brown lacquered wooden panels. A very attractive, imaginative and most pleasing decorative effect has thus been achieved.

A Peirced Tetsu Iron Edo Rounded Square Sukashi Katana Tsuba Kaku Gata, Pierced with geese in flight.Pierced with Hitsu-ana and Kogai Hitsu-ana

A Pierced Tetsu Kosukashi Tsuba Old iron plate probably early Edo. Maru Gata Numerous pierced blossom..Pierced with Hitsu-ana

A Plain, Circular Copper Edo Tanto Tsuba The simplest yet one of the most desirable of traditional tsuba forms.

A Rai Kunifusa Signed Shingunto Gendaito Tachi An unusual shape for a sword made in the 1900s; the shape is typical of a Kamakura Tachi. Custom pre 37 mounts with steel saya and leather combat cover. Blade in need of repolish. Signed Tachi mei. Also signed on the Nakagomune but very difficult to read. He frequently places a Bonji at this point it may well be a Bonji for Buddha. Blade length 69cm to the tsuba.

A Rare 14th Century Samurai Tanto Dated 1398 Over 600 years old, tang signed Bizen Osafune Sukemitsu. In Shira saya, but and this is very unusually seen, in it's original, flaxen, cloth leather edged cover, that was made for a Japanese Air Force officer in WW2, in order to carry his ancient ancestral dagger on his service belt, or within his uniform, and into combat.

A Rare, Samurai Sunnobi Tanto With Gold Inlaid Cutting Test Kanji A Samurai's long bladed dagger around 400 years old, from the late Koto to early Shinto period. Fabulous mounts of Shakudo with Nanako, Superb gold inlaid Kanji for a Tameshigiri cutting test of the Trunk [Do, which is body, centre]. The whole piece is absolutely stunning, the Saya has graded relief lacquer in the form of simulated worn tree bark, probably Cherry. It has a beautiful Iron and gold highlighted Kodsuka with a very nicely signed blade. Blade of Hira Zukuri, shallow zori, length of 355mm, that crosses the border of Sunnobi Tanto to Ko Wakazashi length. The charming Tsuba is finely detailed, with fishing poles, a fishing basket, a goose in flight and all in heavy rain, with signature kanji in small seals.

A Samurai Naganata Polearm With Early Blade with Red Bo Hi A nice early blade with good form of medium weight. Black lacquered pole with copper mounts and bands and very unusually it's original blade protective saya. The term naginata first appeared in the Kojiki in 712 AD and was used by Sohei warrior priests during the Nara Period, around 750 AD. It is most likely based on the Chinese Guan Dao. In the paintings of battlefield scenes made during the Tengyo no Ran in 936 AD, the naginata can be seen in use. It was in 1086, in the book Oshu Gosannenki ("A Diary of Three Years in Oshu") that the use of the naginata in combat is first recorded. In this period the naginata was regarded as an extremely effective weapon by warriors. During the Gempei War (1180–1185), in which the Taira clan was pitted against Minamoto no Yoritomo of the Minamoto clan, the naginata rose to a position of particularly high esteem. Cavalry battles had become more important by this time, and the naginata proved excellent at dismounting cavalry and disabling riders. The widespread adoption of the naginata as a battlefield weapon forced the introduction of sune-ate (shin guards) as a part of Japanese armor. The rise of importance for the naginata can be seen as being mirrored by the European pike, another long pole weapon employed against mounted horses. An excellent example of the role of women in Japanese society and martial culture at this time is Itagaki, who, famous for her naginata skills, led the garrison of 3,000 warriors stationed at Toeizakayama castle. Ten thousand Hojo clan warriors were dispatched to take the castle, and Itagaki led her troops out of the castle, killing a significant number of the attackers before being overpowered. Naginatas were often used by foot samurai to create space on the battlefield. They have several situational advantages over a sword. Their reach was longer, allowing the wielder to keep out of reach of his opponent. The long shaft offered it more leverage in comparison to the hilt of the katana, enabling the naginata to cut more efficiently. The weight of the weapon gave power to strikes and cuts, even though the weight of the weapon is usually thought of as a disadvantage. The weight at the end of the shaft and the shaft itself can be used both offensively and defensively. Swords, on the other hand, can be used to attack faster, have longer cutting edges (and therefore more striking surface and less area to grab), and were able to be more precisely controlled in the hands of an experienced swordsman. Blade length to pole 14.5 inches, Pole Length 66inches inches, total 81 inches 17.25 inch long saya. This blade should polish well and it appears to have a nice hamon, we sent it for polishing when we acquired this interesting weapon and we palce it now on our site as it is due to return polished in around 10 days. The polishing cost is included

A Shingunto Japanese Officer's Katana Together With Fascinating Historical Souvenirs. A surrendered samurai sword and the collection of British Colonel Frederick Charles Cook, who was wounded in combat, fighting the Japanese in 1942. It comes with a wonderful amount of items from the Colonel, including his regimental photos and drawings. A collection of military mementos and souvenirs. Formerly the property of the late Lt-Colonel Frederick Charles Cook. [1914-1960s] including the Certificate of Merit to Lt-Col Frederick Cook for 33 years Valuable & Meritorious Service in the Royal Engineers, a bullion-embroidered blazed patch with crown emblem (unused), a Royal Engineers polychromed metal badge wall-plaque, a group of photographs taken at Hospital in Poona and other related service and staff personnel photographs relating to service in India, Burma and the Far-East, two original artist drawn caricatures of the subject Col. Fred. Cooke, by a Japanese Artist in Yokahama in Nov 1945. Signing up to Military Service with the Royal Engineers during the inter-war years and serving most of his time in India and the Far-east, when as acting-Captain Frederick Cook was shot & wounded in action and hospitalised during 1942 with a bullet lodged in his spine. Following an X-ray, this was considered too difficult to remove, and he was subsequently discharged back into service, continuing until he left the Military in 1961, and enjoyed further long and active life in retirement. The bullet was never removed even after further X-rays were taken in 1962. The original 1942 and 1962 X-rays are included

A Shinto Wakazashi with a Good Signed Blade Simple iron Koshirae with Minuki of what appear to be peas in a pod. Nice Shinto blade with good grain, thin Sugaha hamon. Blind ribbed saya in black lacquer. Most attractive iron Sukashi Tsuba of flowering plants. Very nicely detailed in light relief. Double Habaki in silver and copper [signs of wear]. Signed Bizen no Kuni no ju Kunimune. Probably Teikyo: 1684-1688 18.5 inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A Simply Stunning Handachi Mounted Katana. 17th Century. This is one of the most beautifully fitted Katana we have seen in quite a long time. Blade signed Suruga Kuni Fujiwara Kanetoshi, Shinto era. The blade with one mekugi-ana, has a beautiful long notare hamon, nashiji hada, fully bound tsuka with shakudo-nanako fuchi and kabuto-gane decorated with butterflies in copper and gold within gilt rims, shakudo, gold and silver menuki [underwrap fittings] each in the form of a kabuto [Samurai helmet] and naginata [Samurai spear], and mokko-shaped shakudo-nanako tsuba decorated with Shi-shi and peonies in gilt, in its lightly ribbed black lacquer saya with specks of mother-of-pearl and leaves in black lacquer, the mounts including koi-guchi, kurikata and kojiri fully decorated en suite with the tsuka.

A Singularly Beautiful and Very Rare Samurai Katana A Very fine fully Iron-Mounted Katana from the Shinto era. The blade is o-suriage with two mekugi-ana, midare hamon of nie. It has a fully bound tsuka with iron fuchi-kashira decorated with silver nunome clouds within gold nunome borders, gold menuki [underwrap hilt mounts] in the form of horses, and rounded square iron tsuba decorated in gold and silver with a Ho-ho bird, in its very unusual and very rarely seen Komei decorated all iron saya inlaid overall in gold and silver with a Ho-ho bird sitting on a branch against a russet ground.This sword displays beautiful craftmanship of the highest order and it's style and manner is rare indeed. 23.15 inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A Singularly Beautiful Shinto Period Tachi With Full Clan Mon Decoration Decorated with Tokugawa kamon [crest] of the ruling family of Japan. Signed Terushige. Circa 1680. Superb suite of Koshirae of matching Shakudo copper and gold alloy mounts, with fighting Shi shi in full relief decoration on the Fushi Kashira, with the Tsuba all over decorated with gold Kiri mon. The lacquer to the saya is finely and superbly decorated in gold with mon, to match the Koshirae, and the whole effect is stunning.The blade has been repolished and shows a super Sugaha hamon. Some consider the Tachi to be the most beautiful of the Samurai edged weapons. They can be superlatively elegant, such as this example, and they are worn by the Samurai in a different manner to the standard Katana, by being tied in place and not pushed through the obi. The Tachi was the earliest form of traditional Samurai sword, after the earliest Ken period, with the Katana only making it's appearance in around the 13th century.

A Singularly Good Shinto Wakazashi By Eminent Smith Shoshu ju Tsunahiro A Stunning looking sword, Circa 1680. With all matching Koshira in silvered finish depicting turbulant waves in relief with gilt Dragons. Blade with fine carved Horimono of Dragons chasing the pearl of wisdom. Saya with dark lacquer speckled with abilone and gold specks with a gold ribbon stripe. Carved cat scratch gold Habaki.The smith is rated in Hawleys book of Japanese Swordsmiths [1981 ed.] page 879. Repolished blade and now showing immense beauty.

A Singulary Stunning Wakazashi of Museum Quality. Fully decorated with an overall theme of turtles. Habaki signed Masachika, Tsuba signed Masayoshi. Shinto circa 1700. In full polish, fine Horimono, matching kodzuka beautiful grain and vibrant hamon. SOLD

A Stunning and Beautiful Samurai Shinshinto Katana Signed by Muneoki this sword has a hugely impressive blade showing amazing grain throughout the hada. Beautiful fully matching suite of marine wave Koshirae [mounts] Kashira and Kojiri in Shakudo and a matching silver Fushi and Kurigata also matching with marine waves. Beautiful saya of crushed gold over black lacquer. A most attractive Sukashi Tsuba of unusual form. Now with a repolished blade revealing a good hamon with intermittant crab claws and beautiful grain with small islands of hamon within the grain.This is a substantial sword, made for an unusually large framed Samurai of great stature, most likely in excess of 6 feet tall.29.75 inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A Stunning Japanese Samurai Half Armour.Composite 17th Century Do and Menpo Full Do, front and back & plates [laced]. Court Cap style Kabuto Helmet in Red Lacquer skull over iron with laced and lacquer neck defences.Lacquer over iron Menpo.17th Century Do and Menpo. Arms with mail.

A Stunning Quality Samurai Sword With Wonderful Fittings A very fine Wakazashi by a very highly rated master swordsmith. Importantly, it is signed with the mark of 'Ichi', Dewa no kami Yukihiro. The superb quality Fushi Kashira are Shakudo with gold bats and a thin crescent moon over a nanako ground. The Tsuba is a very fine piece of craftsmanship, of a false rimmed mokko form, depicting a chisseled relief rattan basket weave patten with panels finely decorated with multi coloured gold and silver leaves, grasses, reeds and birds in flight, it has a matching Kojiri on the scabbard with a similar basket weave, of a relief, rattan pattern with leaves and small gold highlights. Deep red lacquer saya over decorated in a very fine, delicate, black patterning. The blade has a mild, undulating Hamon, based on Sugaha, in around 85% original polish. The whole aspect of this wonderful sword is a very subtle story, with its flowing connection of fish awaiting capture under a moonlit sky. The woven basket sitting in grasses [of the Kojira], a reeded grassy marshland, with night flying birds, and the woven rattan fihing mat [the Tsuba], the the evening sky filled with bats beneath a 16th moon, [the Fushi Kashira] the fabulous golden carp swimming in the marshes [the Kodsuka] and finally the dark red of early night sky overflowing with the coming darkness [the Saya].It is believed that, with the nidai Tadakuni, Yukihiro travelled to Edo to learn the techniques of the old Ichimonji school as practiced by Shirobei Noriyoshi of the Ishido school. It is the Ichi from ichimonji that he inscribed on his nakago after this study visit. Yukihiro became the retained swordsmith of Nabeshima Sakyo and moved to Saga City, the provincial capital.Yukihiro was quite widely travelled for that day he even made swords in Hiroshima in Aki province. Eguchi believes this was due to a relationship with Norifusa who was originally from Saga, but had become the fief smith of the castle town of Hiroshima.Yukihiro received the title Dewa Daijo in the 5th year of Shoho (1648) and was promoted to Dewa (no) Kami in the 3rd year of Kambun (1663). 22. inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A Stunning Samurai Shinto Tachi Reduced by a Truly Amazing £2400 ! ! ! This is ideally for the benefit of our regular clients who view our site every day, and offerred considerably under cost price, but as a thankyou for their continued and regular custom. But please decide quickly our very infrequent back catalogue sale weapons can go very quickly indeed!. We have a regular stock of many hundreds of swords but we place on sale only a very few every year to make room for newly added or expected stock items. . A Most Impressive Shinto Tachi Samurai Long Sword Beautiful blade with deep Choji Hamon, a full suite of matching Tachi mounts and late red lacquer saya with gold fleck over decoration. A powerful blade of substantial form and beauty, around 350 to 400 years old. Showing a beautiful billowing Choji Hamon with long Yakideshi [a typical and purely Shinto era trait]. A thin elongated Shinogi ware above the Yakideshi on one side. Blade length, Tsuba to tip, 27 inches. The tachi was used primarily on horseback, where it was able to be drawn efficiently for cutting down enemy footsoldiers. However, on the ground it was still an effective weapon, but awkward to use. This is why its companion, the uchigatana (the predecessor of the katana) was developed. It was the predecessor to the katana as the battle-blade of feudal Japan's bushi (warrior class), and as it evolved into the later design, the two were often differentiated from each other only by how they were worn and by the fittings for the blades. In later Japanese feudal history, during the Sengoku and Edo periods, certain high-ranking warriors of what became the ruling class would wear their sword tachi-style (edge-downward), rather than with the saya (scabbard) thrust through the belt with the edge upward

A Stunning Shinshinto [1781-1868] Moroha Zukuri, Samurai's Tanto [Dagger] Signed Yoshikanu saku, with a rare Moroha Zukuri double edged blade. This very rare type of blade shape was developed for samurai tanto, and the design dates from the Mid-Muromachi period (AD.1384 - AD.1574). The blade has double sided cutting edges with a hamon on both edges. Known as ken, this is a very scarce shape and very rarely to be seen outside of great collections or museums. Blade in full polish with double sugaha hamon. Superb quality fittings and shirasaya storage mount.

A Stunning, Original Japanese, Samurai Full Gosuko [Armour] A full Ceremonial armour 19th to 20th century from most likely the late Taisho Era. Fully laced Do [breast and backplate], helmet in deluxe Koboshibachi [dome rivetted] style. Probably from the 16th century style

A Stunning, Signed, Soten School Shinto Wakazashi by Sukesada Fine quality Koshirae, signed Soten, depicting the dragon. All the fittings, kodzuka, saya and minuki are in the dragon form. The Tsuba is also signed [a little feintly] and represents the water Dragon. The overall condition is very good indeed but would improve with a little gentle cleaning. The Soten school was created by one of Masamune's students, named Kanemitsu, who was one of a select group of ten pupils.17th century.Blade signed Bizen osafune Sukesada.-

A Suite of Edo Period [1599 to 1863] Wakazashi Koshirae [Fittings] Edo period Fushi Kashira and Saya, saya with small damage to bottom. Kashira of Shakudo, with a relief blossom decoration and with matching Minuki. These are Koshirae [fittings] only and without blades

A Super Koto Era 500 to 600 Year Old Tanto With Taka no ha Clan Crest Beautifully decorated with a full matching suite of Koshirae, signed on the fushi by the maker, all finely engraved with a flower and leaf theme. The blade has Horimono of Bonji script and an ancient symbolic Ken sword blade.The [Hawk Feather] crest is known as a Kamon, and the Kamon have been in use for a very long time ... the first documented usage of a kamon symbol dates back to the Asuka era (around 700 A.D.), when Emperor Suiko used one of these emblems on his flags. The earliest common usage of Kamon begins in the Heian era (794-1192 A.D.), however, when it became common for the nobility to either choose their own Kamon, or have it bestowed upon them by their superiors in rank.

A Super Pair of Samurai Warror's Abumi [Stirrups] In iron completely overlaid with ornate silver decoration. Shinto era likely Circa 1700.

A Super Samurai Warrior's Horse's Bit Iron construction decorated with pierced Kiri clan mon designs. Circa 1700. Early Samurai horse bit's are certainly very rare and to have family crests in the design a most pleasing feature.

A Super Shinto Chisa Katana By Isa No Kami Minomoto Kaneshige Silver Koshirae [mounts] with very unusual and most charming original wrap, from the Edo era, decorated with a printed flower pattern.The blade is in good polish showing a beautiful hamon. A very well rated master smith with the Chrysanthemum stamp above his name on the tang. The Chisa Katana is a slightly shorter Katana highly suitable for two handed, or two sword combat, or, combat within enclosed areas such as castles or buildings. As such they were often the sword of choice for the personal Samurai guard of a Daimyo, and generally the only warriors permitted to be armed in his presence. Daimyo were the most powerful feudal rulers from the 10th century to the 19th century in Japan. The term "daimyo" literally means "great name." From the shugo of the Muromachi period through the sengoku to the daimyo of the Edo period, the rank had a long and varied history. The term "Daimyo" is also sometimes used to refer to the leading figures of such clans, also called "lord". It was usually, though not exclusively, from these warlords that a shogun arose or a regent was chosen.

A Superb and Elegant Koto Samurai Katana With a partial signature to nakago Hizen no kuni Fuji.. Probably Koto with a beautiful hamon with fabulous activity, excellent funbari, good floral shibuishi fushi kashira, shakudo minuki of war banners. Iron leaf pattern tsuba, signed. Fine gold wrap. Possibly one of the Tadayoshi [hiro] of Hizen 28.25 inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A Superb Koto Han Dachi Katana, 550 Year Old A singularly beautiful sword with wonderful Edo mounts in silver, and a stunning lacquer Saya with seven clan Mon. A Kpto era sword that has seen use through the greatest eras of Samnurai combat history. The blade has been repolished.26,25 inch blade length, Tsuba to tip. Katana is the word for "sword" in the Japanese language. It is also used specifically for a type of Japanese backsword or longsword (aito) in use after the 1400s: a curved, single-edged sword traditionally used by the samurai. Pronounced [kah-tah-nah] in the kun'yomi (Japanese reading) of the kanji, the word has been adopted as a loan word by the English language; as Japanese does not have separate plural and singular forms, both "katanas" and "katana" are considered acceptable plural forms in English. The katana was typically paired with the wakizashi or shoto, a similarly made but shorter sword, both worn by the members of the warrior class. It could also be worn with the tanto, an even smaller similarly shaped blade. The two weapons together were called the daisho, and represented the social power and personal honor of the samurai. The long blade was used for open combat, while the shorter blade was considered a side arm, more suited for stabbing, close quarters combat, and seppuku, a form of ritual suicide. The katana was primarily used for cutting, and intended for use with a two-handed grip. While the practical arts for using the sword for its original purpose are now obsolete, kenjutsu and iaijutsu have become modern martial arts. The art of drawing the katana and attacking one's enemies is iaido.

A Superb Koto Tanto In the Form of a Salmon, Some 500 years old. Good signed blade with full Hi and an active Gunome Hamon. The mount is in full relief, in all Shakudo bronze, in the form of a beautiful Salmon. In the Edo period, it was, on occasion, high fashion to have blades concealed within a full relief representation of a creature, albeit a Dragon, Crayfish or as on this occasion a Salmon. They were normally in wood and lacquered, but rarely they were in all metal. These metal mounts were usually made by the traditional sword furniture makers that would otherwise have made more traditional sword Koshira in Shakudo or iron. The tail section has very possibly re-coloured at some time in the long distant past.

A Superb Late Koto Tanto of Immense Beauty and Quality With all original Edo fittings. The Tsuka has beautiful wrap of flattened leather with fine gold minuki overlaid of a cockerals and chicken. The saya is charmingly decorated in a honeycomb pattern in pine needles with specifically decorated areas most cleverly depicting the crumbling of the geometric pattern. It has some damage that we shall be taking care of, but the photos show it 'as is' before restoration.

A Superbly Attractive Koto Tanto A charming blade, probably 15th century. Nambam style fittings with stunning Koshirae fully pierced detailing flying cranes and flowers. A super Kodsuka in Shakudo detailed with cranes. Signed Kodsukatana.The overall decoration is lacquer, simulating woodgrain, and incredibly well executed.

A Truly Beautiful Shinto Katana With Dragon Koshirae and Wonderful Temper Circa 1650 ad. With a highly attractive Edo era ] Iron Tsuba [1599 till 1868] with relief dragon decoration with small Sentoku inlays. The blade shows a truly wondrous Hamon of incredibly active form. The whole sword is typically 'quiet' of the true traditional of the Samurai. With a fabulous square form Tsuba that gives the whole sword a really distinctive and highly appealing Katana manner. This is one of the favourite swords that we have had, with a very subtle exterior, but an amazingly vivid interior, everything one likes to see, but rarely does.Blade length, Tsuba to tip, 25.5 inches

A Truly Exceptional Quality Samurai Short Sword By Hishu ju Tadatsugu This is, what one might call, in Europe, a 'Royal' class sword of, quite simply, breathtaking beauty. The whole design is based on insects, flowers and birds. The Kashira [mounts] are multi coloured gold Shakudo over bronze, Mino Goto school, and the tsuba, which is one of the most wonderful we have ever seen, completely harmonises with the lacquerwork on the saya, and has three dimensionally carved praying mantis and a beetle over a deeply carved carved key pattern ground, and then it is set off a solid silver edged rim. The blade is in full polish and shows a superb hamon. The Habaki is gold with a pierced and carved boars eye design

A Truly Magnificent Original Samurai Matchlock Hand Cannon Twice the width or more of a standard Japanese matchlock long gun [the Tanegashima arquebuss] and three times the weight. A truly massive gun. Fully engraved decorated with a fabulous silver dragon with gold eyes. Fully signed by Nobukatsu of Sesshu province. 27.25 inch barrel, 2 inches wide at the breech. The whole cannon is 42.5 inches long overall. It weighs approx 25lbs. A very heavy beautiful cannon barrel of fabulous form. A picture in the gallery is of Samurai General Inauye Masatada, and another one of one of the legendary 47 Samurai Ronin, Horibe Yahei, and both are holding their hand cannon in combat, a woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi [not included for information only].The matchlock gun was introduced to Samurai warfare in 1535 by the early Portugese traders One significant place to see other original Samurai Tanegeshima in present day Japan is in Matsumoto Castle, within their armoury. Particular importance in the collection are the Tanageshima, which played an important role during the massive battle for Osaka Castle in 1615. The main articles in the collection are matchlocks manufactured in the period from 1543 (when guns were introduced by the Portuguese through Tanegashima island) through to the late Edo period during the long Tokugawa peace. In total there are 141 guns of different design, caliber and period, and 230 pieces of armor. All of the weapons were made in Japan during a century in which enormous changes took place, both in Japan's social and political organization and modernisation prior to the closing of the country and 250 years of relative isolation. Matsumoto Castle was built some 50 years after the introduction by Portuguese traders of firearms into Japan. For this reason the walls of the turrets (Nurigome-zukuri) are thick enough to withstand bullets, and the defences were built in depth. As firearms were also used to defend the castle, the donjon has 55 square holes called teppozama, from which matchlock muskets (and in some cases the hand cannon) could bring fire to bear on an assaulting force. Rammer tube under barrel

A Very Good Antique Daimyo Tachi Efu-no-dachi [Phoenix Birds Head] The Phoenix design is of course the private reserve of the Emporer and his family.Tachi are the Samurai Swords worn on Court occasions by the Daimyo Lords of Japan. They are distinguished by the fact that they are worn with the cutting edge down, from one or two hangers in the center of the scabbard. Katana are slid through the belt or Obi, and thus do not have these two hangers. Only Daimyo are allowed to wear Tachi and there were only about 50 Daimyo in any one period in all Japan. Signed blade by the smith Nanki Shinkai showing a beautiful Horimono of a Dragon, on the superb blade from the Shinshinto era. It has a stunning carved Horimono with Bo Hi and carved Bonji. The Hamon is vibrantly active with good tight grain to the Hada, the Kissaki is superbly elongated and the blade is U no kubi zukuri. This is one of the most impressive Tachi we have had the privilege to offer, and it is truly exceptional in it's beauty. The combination of the shape, engraving, temper and Efu Tachi mounting is absolutely captivating. There is little finish remaining to the Koshirae, there is wear in this area and one part of the cord mount is lacking. Gold lacquer saya. The blade has been re polished in order to return it to it's natural great beauty, and the result is stunning, the mounts are in sleeper condition and will be tenderly and lightly cleaned. We have photographed it in it's present state, prior to the light cleaning of the mounts, but showing the re-polish. The blade is now unblemished and perfect.

A Very Good Armour Piercing Bladed Tanto, Shinshinto Period 1781 till 1863. Exceptionally thick and powerful blade, in full polish showing superb crabclaw hamon with back edge tempering. Fine red lacquer saya with Tokugawa Aoi mon. Buffalo horn fittings with gold inlaid Minuki under original Edo wrap.Kodzuka with nanako ground and two gilt and bronze phoenix in relief

A Very Long Sodegarami Japanese Polearm A Good Edo Era Japanese Antique Sodegarami The Edo era ran from 1599 till 1867. A Super Japanese, Edo Era, Pole Arm, Also known as a Shishigashira, it is a Yoriki Pole arm of great interest which name translates to 'The Lions Head' [or Mane]. When one sees the fearsome profile of this amazing piece it is very obvious why it has such a descriptive name. When up against a foe the head is thrust into the victim's Kimono, rotated quickly and it's barbarous prongs ensnare and tangle the cloth. The victim is then pushed to the ground with relative ease, and the haft's spikes prevent the victim grabbing it in order to resist. It can also be known as another name a Torigami [Grasping Hand]. See an almost identical example illustrated on page 188 of 'The Samurai Sourcebook' by Stephen Turnbull. In Medieval Europe there was a similar pole arm called a 'Morning Star', of almost identical proportions, with vicious and most similar spikes, but, more usually the spikes were straight. The European version was used more for inflicting dreadful injury than for disabling. In essence the Japanese used theirs more intelligently, in order to disable a victim, and make him powerless, before a hand to hand conflict even starts, the Europeans used theirs far more brutally, and simply for grievous intent in battle. Around 8+ foot long. The haft has been cut and reaffixed in the middle and for transportion this will have to be repeated once more.

A Very Rare, Straight, Chokuto Archaic Style Katana In Shira Saya. A beautiful signed shinto sword, a real and rare gem, set in Shira saya, and that has been at some time in it's history identified and inscribed on the saya, with the attributed smith's name and his location, Sanshu Yoshida ju Fujiwara Kanefusa Saku. Translates to; "Made by Lord Kanefusa of Yoshida, [part of Mikawi no kune, an Eastern part of Aichi prefecture] in Sanshu province". It has further Kanji inscriptions that may indicate it's length. A rare, traditionally made, yet ancient style of blade called 'Chokuto' which is perfectly straight with no curvature, called Mu-Sori, and with a small Kissaki. The edge tempering [Hamon] is beautiful, of O-Choji Midare with Ashi, lots of Sunegashi and some Kinkuji. It also has one small Nioi Kuzure. This would make a super addition to any collection of fine swords [albeit small or large] as the ancient Chokuto style is so rarely seen in the Katana form but highly prized. Sanshu Yoshida ju Fujiwara Kanefusa Saku appears in Hawley's book of Japanese Swordsmiths, page 162, KAN 755 ……………………….

A Victorious War Japanese War Flag WW2. Captured in 1945. Signed by dozens of men in the officers company including Kiyotsugu, Kazukuni, Michiyama,. Silk with some age tears. Blue ink named presentation by the British officer.

A Wonderful Ancestral Bladed Shin Gunto Mounted Officers Sword A simply wonderful sword with a rare early blade, probably Koto era circa 1550. The blade, signed Tachi mei Hiromasa, is in the early Nagamaki form without Yokote, and full length Hi. The Sori is beautifully deep and finely elegant. The Kashira has a super silver Kamon. This is one of the nicest ancestral Shin Gunto swords we have seen in a long time, and was certainly mounted for an officer of very high status and rank. The Nakago has been reshaped slightly in order to accommodate the Gunto Tsuka. In the reshaping one mekugi ana has been filled with copper, the tang was also part blued. Given considerable thought and taken opinion from a learned colleague, there is a possibilitythe nakago may have been reshaped not for WW2 but in the early 1900's when it was mounted Kyu gunto style, maybe for the last owner's Father who may have used in in the Russo-Japanese war. We will have this sword polished.

A Wonderful and Truly Astounding Katana, Late Shinto to Shinshinto Era This is a wonderfully impressive and fine quality sword, no doubt made for a Samurai of significant importance, or possibly a Daimyo [Samurai war lord]. It has a magnificent blade, full of presence, with an elongated O Kissaki and deep 'Crab Claw' Hamon. The Saya is in rich brown with a beautiful relief decoration of dragonflys. All the mounts are fully matching, of fabulous quality, and fully ensuite, in Shakudo on a Nanako ground, depicting in full relief pure gold Shishi [Lion dogs]. They are complemented by a Shibuishi iron Tsuba with a matching design of a gorgeously carved gold Shishi prancing among flowers. Silver habaki. 26.75 inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A Wonderful Wakazashi of Fabulous Style. Rarely seen now, the Iris leaf shape, was popular for Wakazashi and Tanto in the Muromachi era [1342-1573] and this beautiful blade, of some 500 to 600 years old, is very nearly Moroha Zukuri [double edged] with a barely perceptable mune. It has a good saya in black and a Habaki.. The blade is quite beautiful with it's distinctive highly elongated kissaki. The Fushi Kashira are very fine quality Shakudo and gold, decorated with fishermen and nets. 22.70 inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

A WW2 Japanese Officer's 1936 Pattern Shin Gunto Officer's Sword A very nice clean collector's piece. Signed blade by Yoshimichi of Noshu in Mino province, but with some surface marks. Overall a typical early WW2 sword used by an officer in the service of the [once divine] Emperor Hirohito. These Japanese katana are now most collectable and eagerly sought, and you couldn't do better for an honest, combat used, but well cared for sword than this example. Not an arsenal made sword, possibly gendaito.

AGE DATING FOR JAPANESE SWORDS, FITTINGS AND ARMOUR Please see Announcements page for the relevant dates of the Japanese eras and periods

An 1886 Pattern Japanese Cavalry Officer's Sword Russo Japanese War Made prior to, and used in, the Japanese Russian War of 1904. Brass pierced guard, black horn grip, with original wire binding. Bright steel fullered blade, steel scabbard. The last picture in the gallery is of the Japanese and Russian cavalry troops clashing near Chonju, North P'yongan Province, Korea in the war of 1904.1886 [type 19] Cavalry parade sabre The sword is in good overall condition and has been completely cleaned and polished in our workshops as it had been left uncleaned for likely 60 years or more. The hilt backstrap is lacking, but as the rear of the hilt has a superb hand frictioned patina, this may have been lost in combat, but the sword still continually used without it for some reasonable time within it's working life. Scabbard has some contact dents. See pages 49 to 53 of 'Japanese Military and Civil Swords and Dirks' by Richard Fuller and Ron Gregory. Examples of these swords are rare and at the time of print [of the aformentioned book] only two examples had been located, but other examples known of through photograph only. Although a rarely seen sword this one is lacking it's backstrap so valued accordingly. Do not confuse this sabre with the very common 1875 pattern officer's parade sabre or the much reproduced 1886 pattern cavalry troopers sabre. The sword was used right through the Russo Japanese War and into WW2. In fact on the surrender of Borneo, in September 1945, Lt General Baba Masao, Commander of the 37th Imperial Japanese Army, he surrendered his sword in the ceremony, which was indeed the same sword as this, an 1886 pattern officer's cavalry sabre. 30 inch blade

An Amazing Ancient Koto Tachi By Bizen Osafune Norimitsu With and incredible 32 inch blade this is a real stunning sword, by one of the ancient Osafune school smiths of Bizen province, probably mid to late Muramachi period. The Osafune school goes back to the very heart of Samurai warfare of the 1200's, and Norimitsu was a popular line of swordsmiths that started in the Oei Bizen school (1394) and continued until the end of Bizen. This is very much in the ancient early form of those great, long Tachi of sweeping lines and deep curvature, and signed Tachi mei. In 1447 the largest Odachi sword still in existance was made by a Osafune Norimitsu. It is perfectly preserved, kept in one of the most revered and sacred shrines in Kibi, Japan [the Kibitsu Jinja, in Okayama] and it is an incredible 377cm long. This Tachi is mounted in all original Edo period mounts with a most interesting iron Tsuba of a rising sun over a small sea vessel, signed. Fine lacquer saya, pair of gilt dragon minuki. Typical chu Sugaha Hamon now fully repolished. A super example circa 500 years old. More photos to be added

An Amazing and Mouth Wateringly Beautiful Shinshinto Katana We have just had this blade repolished and it is now truly spectacular. We couldn't have hoped that it would have turned out so stunning. This is a true battle sword with every aspect of a true Samurai katana that one is anxious to see but frequently doesn't. Although we are always very discerning about all our choices, and cherry-pick the most beautiful, or oldest or potentially most interesting swords that we can find, we are entirely unabashed to say we have excelled ourselves this time. With a very deep and richly elegant Tori zori [mid section] curvature. Superb O-mokume Hamon, with long O-kissaki [elongated blade tip]. A double sea cucumber iron Tsuba [the favourite of renown master Musashi]. Original Edo period sword Koshirae [fittings hilt scabbard and mounts]. Red over black stone finish lacquer saya [with an antique museum collection number stenciled thereon]. Iron Koshirae, the fushi of a relief dragon. Menuki of Dyaimo banners. A powerful sword with a stunning curvature that gives it a superb elegance of form. Blade length, Tsuba to tip, 30 inches

An Ancient and Beautiful Samurai Dagger from the Early 1400’s. Stunning deep ribbed cinnabar lacquer finish, and the whole dagger is in the form of a stylized crayfish. Blade signed Rai Kunitoshi. Gold dragon Minuki and a saya mount of a most charming man dressed in a dragon costume. Matching early Kodsuka of a dragon. Double silver habaki. We estimate this blade to be made around 1400, but the Rai Kunitoshi smith lived in the earlier 1300's, and is considered to be one of Japan's greatest smiths. This leads us to believe this was either signed by a pupil of the Rai school, or, for some other reason. Of course there is always a chance it is older than we believe, and/or, by Rai Kunitoshi, however, his rarity and value is such that we feel this is highly unlikely.

An Ancient Koto Era Samurai Sword Of Around 650 Years Old Bizen Nagamitsu A typical beautiful ancient Bizen blade, representative of the great line of Bizen Osafune Nagamitsu smiths that started around 1258. Signed on the tang Nagamitsu. It shows every chance of being a fine ancient sword signed [Bizen] Nagamitsu, and they are one of the most famous lines of ancient smiths. This blade is in polish and shows a beautiful active hamon and the typical small kissaki of older Koto blades and a lovely Bizen curvature. This sword was surrendered in WW2 and used by it's last ancestral owner in WW2. If one bears in mind a sword of this age, and particularly as it was last used in WW2, it has likely seen almost uninterrupted combat service for nigh on 650 years. During that period it may well have seen countless battle situations, from the greatest warring era of Japanese history, through the Battle of Sekigahara era and into the great Tokugawa period where Japan was unified for the first time under the rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This sword would be ideal for customised remounting with fine old fittings in the traditional Samurai form to create a fine, traditional and ancient Katana once more, and thus return it to it's original form. At present it comes complete with a full set of Gunto koshirae. We can certainly undertake the refitting of this blade if required, but patience is essential, as it is highly specialised work completed by skilled artisans whose expertise is in much demand..

An Antique 'Japanese Export' Samurai Type Long Tanto Made in the Meiji Emperor's era, in the late 19th century, for the export of Samurai style weapons to Japan's newly opened export markets of Europe and America. Charming carved bone mounts, fully carved overall with figures of Samurai in armour and figures of Chinese sages, small old repairs to saya. 18.25 inches long overall. Blade 10.5 inches

An antique Shin-shinto 'Seki' Samurai Sword Katana Bronze Edo Fushi with nice old Iron Tsuba, a beautiful sugaha hamon to the blade with nice activity in original polish. Mumei ubu Tang. Shows Seki influences. Nice brown wrap over dragon Minuki. Horn Kashira black lacquer Saya.Blade length, Tsuba to tip, 24.25 inches

An Antique, Edo era Japanese Samurai Hunting Helmet Jingasa In dark brown lacquer [some small losses to lacquer]. With rear hanging knot.

An Attractive Samurai Jingasa Ichimonji gasa Edo Era In traditional brown- black lacquer with original pad and tying cords.Traces of 3 clan mon decoration to the crown.

An Early Edo Tetsu Katana Tsuba Rounded Square. Simple iron plate with design of mountain tops with clouds. Pierced with Hitsu-ana and Kogai Hitsu-ana

An Early Samurai Sword, Koto Era, of some 500 Years Old Koto blade circa 1500, showing traces of a fabulous, and intricate fine and very deep hamon, now repolished. A suite of matching iron Higo school mounts, inlaid with thin curlicue lines of silver and soft metal. Shi-shi lion dog minuki. Red and black speckled saya in original Edo period lacquer. Unusual and very attractive, original Edo era two colour Tsuke wrap. This sword has been most gently and sypathetically cleaned by our conservator, as it had likely been untouched and stored for nigh on 150 years or more. Every effort has been made to remove accumulated grime but to highlight all the fine detail and to keep it's natural and original Edo period 'feel' and condition.

An Edo Period Iron Katana Tsuba With Kodzuke Hitsu-ana Decorated with Chrysanthemum and waves. Later cut under the seppa area with an ana for the Shingunto blade catch. 72mm across

An Example Sword Refinished By The Lanes Armoury. This Is Not For Sale This is a fine blade, that was sold by us, and then remounted traditonal style at our client's request, using fine, old, original Edo period fittings with a Tsuba. The hilt and scabbard [Tsuke and Saya] have been completely custom hand made, with original, traditional, Japanese materials. The Koshirae [fittings] were mounted, the saya lacquered [Ishime style] and the Tsuke fully cord bound. This is to show the very high standard of work we can undertake for our clients to restore our beautiful blades. Unfortunately, as this work is undertaken by highly specialist artisans, it takes time so patience is essential, and we can only undertake such mounting work and polishing for blades and fittings that have been supplied by us.

An Excellent Japanese Shin Gunto Company Officer's Sword Knot WW2 in originalslightly faded colours of brown and blue in good condition overall slight fraying to tassel. One piece loop type.

An Excellent Japanese Shin Gunto Company Officer's Sword Knot WW2 in original slightly colours of brown and blue in good condition overall, slight fraying to tassel. One piece loop type.

An Exceptional Shinto Samurai Sword Circa 1640 The mounts [Koshirae] are very rare in that they are depictions of woodworking tools in silver and shakudo over iron. The blade is in around 80% original Japanese polish and shows a tremendous gunome hamon. It is signed on the tang, but only two kanji remain due to natural wear and aging. Black lacquer saya. This is a big and impressive sword likely once the property of a particularly mighty samurai of significant stature. The Tsuba is iron and shows a smiling figure with gold decorated garb pointing into the distance.

An Exceptional WW2 Traditional Shin Gunto Officer's Sword Tachi Possibly the very best of it's type available in the country today. This sword is a fabulous example for a collector who is seeking a near perfect condition, completely original Japanese WW2 officers Katana. An archetypal example that is the best of it's type available for collectors. A Shingunto sword, made in the standard form, with all standard good quality fittings, used in combat and then surrendered in the closing hours of WW2. In superb complete order with a signed blade. All original 1936 pattern mounts with all of the original paint lacquer finish present on the fine and totally undented scabbard. Excellent tsuke hilt wrap binding over menuki, with good, original, overall patina to all the bronze Koshirae [sword fittings]. Gilt habaki. The blade is signed by the smith, Yoshitsugu, and he dated his blades in the very unusual ordinal and Zodiacal form, which reads, Showa Hitsuji Mizunoto.

An Ideal for Iai-do, Original Katana, Signed Seki Fujiwara Yoshinao Signed [translated] Yoshinao, Lord of Seki. Traditionally mounted, fully smith signed blade of the Showa era [with Imperial Showa mark of the Emperor Hirohito]. Good vibrant hamon. Scabbard in good lacquer with tiny abilone shell inlaid, in need of very small attention at the throat. Shinchu Fushi Kashira with a patinated, copper Tsuba of very good form. Flying crane gilt Minuki. Blade in around 85% original polish. This would be a brilliant sword for a student of the martial art of Aido, being in that it is an honest original Japanese sword, though not too old, rare or valuable, so it is eminently affordable.

An Interesting Aikuchi Tanto [Samurai Dagger] With Fine Blade. The blade has a fine Hamon with a full, back edge temper, and a running itami grain Hada. With Same bound hilt and black speckled dark red lacquer saya. Pony Kodsuka, black horn fittings. Shinto period.

An Interesting Sagemono Tetsu Samurai Pipe Box and Tobacco Pouch Set Antique, Edo period [1600-1867]. A silk tobacco pouch [tobako-ire] with a silver Oni Demon mask mount. A white Jade Ojimi on the connecting cord and a lacquered and metal mounted pipe [Kizeru] box. All set in a beautiful damask silk patterned box. Sagemono were the items [pouches pipes, writing implements etc] that hung by silk cords from the Obi [the silk Kimono sash]

An Oval Iron Tanto Tsuba. Edo era onlaid, in fine traces of silver and gold, with leaves and tendrils.

Antique, Samurai Han Dachi Tachi Style Sword An Edo period Han-dachi Tachi mounted Katana with a pierced, early, iron Sukashi Tsuba, late-polish blade probably early Shinto period, with bright clear polish, single hole nakago probably ubu [unshortened], original antique Edo black lacquer saya [scabbard] with old, original Edo period, gold, tsukeito [binding]. The Tachi an early Samurai weapon was used primarily on horseback, where it was able to be drawn efficiently for cutting down enemy foot soldiers. However, on the ground although it was still an effective weapon, it could be awkward to use. This is why its companion, the uchigatana (the predecessor of the katana) was developed. It was the predecessor to the katana as the battle-blade of feudal Japan's bushi (warrior class), and as it evolved into the later design, the two were often differentiated from each other only by how they were worn and by the fittings for the blades. In later Japanese feudal history, during the Sengoku and Edo periods, certain high-ranking warriors of what became the ruling class would wear their sword tachi-style (edge-downward), rather than with the saya (scabbard) thrust through the belt with the edge upward.The Han Dachi mounted Katana is a traditional Katana mounted partially in the Tachi form, likely as a sign of higher rank within the Samurai clan hierarchy Blade length, Tsuba to tip 27.25 inches

Early Matchlock Arquebus with Kamon [Crest] of Otomo Sorin Lord of Buzen Iron barrel, signed on the underneath, with a super Kamon crest at the breech [probably at one time decorated with gold or silver]. Fine stock with brass fittings is finely decorated with brass inserts and the brass breech cover is engraved with a Samurai helmet. Rammer tube under barrel. As usual, no rammer present, as these were often kept separate in storage, and were simple and disposable plain lengths of wood. Lord Otomo Sorin opened up his territory to the Jesuit missionary and later day Patron Saint of Japan, Francis Xavier who landed in Bungo. He converted Otomo to Christianity, and he was the first Catholic Samurai Clan Lords, and he was described as ruler of the seven provinces, which was considered a most powerful title. The Otomo were one of the major clans of Kyushu island, along with the Shoni and the Shimazu clans. They remained a powerful clan throughout the Sengoku period. The Otomo are especially notable as one of the first clans to make contact with Europeans and to establish a trade relationship with them. Towards the end of the 16th century, the Otomo, alongside the Shimazu clan, fought the Mori clan, who were then allies of Oda Nobunaga. The Otomo did not play a major role in the campaigns of Tokugawa Ieyasu, but they did retain their domains. The Matchlock gun or Arquebus entered Japan in the 16th century, introduced by the Portugese traders, during an era of history known as the Sengoku period (the age of the country at war). Only 17 years after being introduced in Japan, in 1560, firearms were being used highly effectively in great battles. In that year, a bullet killed a general wearing full armor. In 1567, Lord Takeda Harunobu stated, 'Hereafter, guns will be the most important arms'. He was quite right. Within another 10 years, there were more guns in Japan than any other country on earth. In fact by then some Japanese clan lords had more guns than the whole British army.The Japanese call the gun the Tenegeshima, after the area where it first arrived in Japan in around 1543.

Edo Era Samurai Kozuka In Sentoku showing a super figure with helmet from Japnese folklore.

Edo Menuki of A Display of Flowers Pressed metal Edo period 19th century . Part of a small collection of 23 original Edo period single one piece Menuki. Depicting numerous forms, floral, people, animals, folklore, scenes etc. Ideal for those needing to mount a Tsuka 28mm

Edo Menuki of A Figure by a Trunk Pressed metal Edo period 19th century . Part of a small collection of 23 original Edo period single one piece Menuki. Depicting numerous forms, floral, people, animals, folklore, scenes etc. Ideal for those needing to mount a Tsuka 28mm

Edo Menuki of A Figure Seated Pressed metal Edo period 19th century . Part of a small collection of 23 original Edo period single one piece Menuki. Depicting numerous forms, floral, people, animals, folklore, scenes etc. Ideal for those needing to mount a Tsuka 25mm

Edo Menuki of A Figure Seated on A Parasol Pressed metal Edo period 19th century . Part of a small collection of 23 original Edo period single one piece Menuki. Depicting numerous forms, floral, people, animals, folklore, scenes etc. Ideal for those needing to mount a Tsuka.40mm

Edo Menuki of A Flower in a Hanging Basket Pressed metal Edo period 19th century . Part of a small collection of 23 original Edo period single one piece Menuki. Depicting numerous forms, floral, people, animals, folklore, scenes etc. Ideal for those needing to mount a Tsuka. 29mm

Edo Menuki of A Lantern Pressed metal Edo period 19th century . Part of a small collection of 23 original Edo period single one piece Menuki. Depicting numerous forms, floral, people, animals, folklore, scenes etc. Ideal for those needing to mount a Tsuka 37mm

Edo Menuki of A Plant Pressed metal Edo period 19th century . Part of a small collection of 23 original Edo period single one piece Menuki. Depicting numerous forms, floral, people, animals, folklore, scenes etc. Ideal for those needing to mount a Tsuka.25mm

Edo Menuki of A Turtle Pressed metal Edo period 19th century . Part of a small collection of 23 original Edo period single one piece Menuki. Depicting numerous forms, floral, people, animals, folklore, scenes etc. Ideal for those needing to mount a Tsuka.43mm

Good Antique Katana Signed Choshu Ju Fujiwara Kiyoshige Shin Gunto Mounted Nicely signed Nakago [ubu], with super Horimono of the Dragons Claw and the double edged Buddhist Ken sword, and numerous Bonji of 'Fudo' Warrior deities. Made by a member of the Kiyoshige group, the founder of which, was Hachisaemonjo. Fujishiro states Kiyoshige as Chujosaku, he may have come from Yamato province, and that he was a fine carver of horimono. There were seven generations named Kiyoshige.Chosu swords were much patronised by the Choshu daimyo, the Mori clan, to service their swordmaking requirements, and they were traditionally antagonists of the Ruling Tokugawa. This beautiful example is most likely Shinto era. This blade had been in neglected storage since it was surrendered in 1945, and has not seen the light of day for over 60 years. Shin gunto fittings. Now repolished the blade is now quite beautiful and singularly elegant. The photographs show it's last hilt fittings of WW2,.A new, traditional, civilian black lacquer saya has been made for it. It has a small combat hagire showing on only one side. Price includes the new black lacquer saya . 28.25 inches blade length, Tsuba to tip

Good Edo Kodzuka In Shakudo with gold. Full relief figures of two Dogs

Good Shinshinto Katana Signed Hitachi Kuni Mito ju Tokumune, Dated 1829 The blade with two mekugi-ana, notare-midare hamon, fully bound tsuka with shakudo-nanako fuchi-kashira decorated with peonies in gold and silver, shakudo and gold floral menuki, and circular iron sukashi tsuba chiselled and pierced with flowering branches, in its black lacquered saya complete with shakudo-nanako kodzuka and kogai each decorated with different leaves and flowers in soft-metals 65 cm. Blade. More photos to follow. The blade shows a beautiful hamon [with crab claw] and very good grain to the hada. 26.5 inch blade length, Tsuba to tip.

Japanese Shinto Tachi Inscribed Mutsu no kami Fujiwara Kanenobu. Tachi are the Samurai Swords worn on Court occasions by the Daimyo Lords of Japan. They are distinguished by the fact that they are worn with the cutting edge down, from one or two hangers in the center of the saya. Katana are slid through the belt or Obi, and thus do not have these two hangers. Only Daimyo are allowed to wear Tachi and there were only about 50 Daimyo in any one period in all Japan. . Blade in 90% in polish. With full and complete Edo Tachi Koshirae, fully decorated with Mon of the Tokugawa.rbago

Koto Katana Signed Kanetsugu Circa 1530. Fine hamon, super dragon Koshirae, good Tsuba with silver rim. A thoroughly pleasing sword of the Koto great warring era, with very beautiful fittings in fine shakudo. 28,25 inches blade length, Tsuba to tip. Katana is the word for "sword" in the Japanese language. It is also used specifically for a type of Japanese backsword or longsword (aito) in use after the 1400s: a curved, single-edged sword traditionally used by the samurai. Pronounced [kah-tah-nah] in the kun'yomi (Japanese reading) of the kanji, the word has been adopted as a loan word by the English language; as Japanese does not have separate plural and singular forms, both "katanas" and "katana" are considered acceptable plural forms in English. The katana was typically paired with the wakizashi or shoto, a similarly made but shorter sword, both worn by the members of the warrior class. It could also be worn with the tanto, an even smaller similarly shaped blade. The two weapons together were called the daisho, and represented the social power and personal honor of the samurai. The long blade was used for open combat, while the shorter blade was considered a side arm, more suited for stabbing, close quarters combat, and seppuku, a form of ritual suicide. The katana was primarily used for cutting, and intended for use with a two-handed grip. While the practical arts for using the sword for its original purpose are now obsolete, kenjutsu and iaijutsu have become modern martial arts. The art of drawing the katana and attacking one's enemies is iaido.

Koto Samurai Katana circa 1550 Sukashi tsuba with brown stone finish saya with black ribbing. Shibuishi mounts, copper dragon minuki.Tori zori curvature to the blade. Full re-polish

Modern Japanese Iron Tsuba. Plain iron with piercings Kodzuke Hitsu-ana and Kogai Hitsu-ana.

Please View One of The Best Selections Of Original Samurai Arms in Europe Please View One of The Best Selections Of Original Samurai Arms in Europe Over the past 38 years I have personally supervised our company's determination to provide the most interesting, educational, yet not too intimidating, gallery of original Japanese Samurai weapons, helmets, sword fittings, polearms, muskets and armour. Principally concentrating on a combination of age, beauty, quality and history. Thanks to an extensive contact base [built up over the past 80 years or more] that stretches across the whole world, including collectors [both large and small], curators, academics and consultants, we have been very fortunate, that this effort has rewarded us with the ability to offer, what we believe to be, the most comprehensive selection available in Europe. Although we would never arrogantly credit ourselves to be experts on Japanese Nihonto, for, quite simply, some of the most learned scholars studying this art all theirs lives often only scratch the surface of the knowledge to be learnt in this field, we have always loved history of the Samurai and admired and envied their unparalleled beauty. Our Japanese weapons vary in age up to 700 years old, and are frequently some of the finest examples of specialist workmanship ever achieved by mankind. We have tried to include, within the description of some items, a brief history lesson [for those that are interested, and may not know] that will describe the eras, areas and circumstances that these items were used in. We have tried our utmost to be informative and interesting without being too academic in order to keep the details vibrant, fascinating yet not too complex. Please enjoy, with our compliments, our Japanese Gallery. It has been decades in the creation, and we intend it to remain interesting and informative, hopefully, for decades to come. Mark Hawkins [Partner].

Samurai Katana Possibly Koto era. With most unusual narrow re-shaped tang more reminiscent of a polearm tang which may indicate this is an early Nagamaki Naoshi of the Koto era. The mount is partly leather bound for use by an officer in WW2 and mostly civilian mounted without hilt wrap. Fully repolished blade showing good shape and funbari, a lightly undulating hamon that gets close to the Ha. There are no solid rules governing the aspects of the make of the nagamaki. Unlike wakizashi, tanto, and katana, which have had history of strict measurements regarding the nagasa, and even the tsuka in some cases; the nagamaki varied in nagasa, nakago length (tang), kissaki style, et cetera. Bare nagamaki blades are of katana-length blades with typical katana-size tang (7–10 inches). This kind presumably could have koshirae in a tachi or katana style, as well as a nagamaki style. However there are examples of nagamaki with rather long nakago (tang), which could be fitted with a longer staff for a haft and effectively function as a naginata. All traditional Japanese swords are fitted preferably very snug and held in place with a mekugi (bamboo peg) which is fit through a mekugi-ana (hole in the tang and hilt). This is actually quite a strong mount when done correctly, and allowed for easy dismount of the bare blade.

Signed Shinto Tanto, by the Assistant Lord of Yamoto. A Samurai's personal dagger By Yamoto Daijo Kanehiro. A Smith who had a very high ranking title A very nice signed Tanto,in full polish, with an early, Koto, Kamakuribori Style Iron Tsuba, probably Muramachi period around 1450, carved in low relief to one side. 6.5cm. Plain early iron Koshira. The blade in nice polish, itami grain and a medium wide Sugaha Hamon signed with his high ranking official title Yamoto Daijo Kanehiro [Kane Hiro, Assistant Lord of Yamoto Province] circa 1660. He lived in Saga province. Superb ribbed Saya.

Superb And Fantastic Koto Period Samurai's Saddle [Kura] & Stirrups [Abumi] Signed Nobushige and dated 1596. Wonderful Edo period lacquer decoration, and overall all in superb condition. Saddle all wood, the Abumi are the finest quality lacquer over iron shells. All decorated with a combination of tortoise and bamboo. Simply amazing and singularly beautiful

The Lanes Armoury is not just a webshop, we are are based around one of the oldest established stores in the county, one of the oldest family businesses, and we are filled to the very rooftops with fascinating Arms, Armour and Books. We are also officially listed as one of the top 50 places essential to see when visiting Brighton & Hove City. Our shop [and the partners, in their role as appraisers and consultants] regularly appear on BBC TV and numerous other Terrestrial and Satellite TV Stations. When in town why not come and see us, all are heartily welcome.

Two Most Charming Matched Iron Sukashi Tsuba for Daisho [Pair of Swords] Deeply hand carved in the fishing net pattern. The skill the craftsman had to make these Tsuba is just to be amazed at. Each strand of the net had to be hand chisseled in iron, and it was accomplised with such intricate and complicated dexterity it is simply extraordinary. Edo period probably 18th century.

We Are Always Pleased to See Personal Visitors To Our Shop Sadly we are likely the last true 'Armoury' shop left in the whole of Britain, and we are described as one of the top visitors attractions of the City, hundreds of thousands of tourists [and regular visitors] come to see us every year. We evolved from one of the oldest established family businesses in Sussex, with a client base that includes Heads of State, Presidents, Princes and Kings. But whether you are a movie star, a professor, a postmen or a student all are treated the same, with courtesy and respect. Every sale is important, beit a badge for £5 or a first edition for £5,000. Every day we are told that, to some, this is their favourite shop in the world, so we have a great responsibility, to our customers, our reputation, and to the amazing city of Brighton. To view our history during the past century click the photo to see more photos of our store, and 3 original photos of our store around 1920, one of our 1920's horse drawn pantechnichon [still in use till 1969] and one of our 'more modern' trucks in the 1970's.