Description
A Japanese WWII sword by Kojima Kanemichi is available. Notably, Kanemichi earned the title of Sword Forging Teacher, the highest rating, at the 1941 Sword Forging Exhibition. Therefore, this World War II Japanese sword represents an important acquisition for any serious collection.
Importantly, this blade represents early work by Kanemichi. He forged the sword in May 1940, recorded as the 2600th year of the founding of the Japanese Empire.
The tang bears the signature “Noshu ju Kanemichi saku kore.”
Additionally, Kanemichi crafted this blade as a traditionally made, water-tempered gendai sword. As expected for a traditionally forged blade, it carries no Showa or arsenal stamp.
The blade measures 26 3/4″ (68.0 cm) from the tip to the bottom of the notch in the habaki. Furthermore, the sword retains its Army shin-gunto mounts, which complement the blade well.
At the 1941 Sword Exhibition, Kanemichi received the rank of Special Honor Noted Seat – Sword Forging Teacher. In addition, experts rank him as a 2 Million Yen smith. John Slough notes in his book:
“His real name is Kojima Tokijiro. Kanemichi was born in July 1902. At first he studied under Kojima Katsumasa, who had previously studied with Zenjo Kaneyoshi. Later, he trained under Watanabe Kanenaga. He was a Rikugun Jumei Tosho and had many students.”
CONDITION
Overall, the blade remains in fine polish. It shows only a couple of fingerprints, which uchiko will likely remove. Moreover, the edge shows no nicks, and the blade remains perfectly straight.
The hamon (temper line) and boshi appear healthy and well defined.
Finally, the sword saw service during the war for more than five years. As a result, the saya lacquer shows wear and is missing in several areas.
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