1 exceedingly rare Japanese WW2 Iida mount Army Officer's gendai sword available.  This sword is among the most rare of all Japanese military swords.  These mounts are referred to as the Iida seal--or the Iida lock, named after its inventor Iida Kunitaro.  This exceptional Japanese Army sword would make an important addition to any collection.

This sword was made the 2 Million Yen smith, Imai Sadashige.  Imai Sadashige earned the title of Sword Forging Teacher/Special Honor Noted Seat at the 1941 Sword Exhibition.  Sadashige is featured on page 150 & 151 in John Slough's book, An Oshigata Book of Modern Japanese Swordsmiths 1868-1945.  

The blade measures a long 26 7/8" (68.3 cm) from blade tip to the notch in the blade spine.  

The Iida lock is a weather-proofing mount designed to keep water and dirt out of the saya.  This exceptionally rare sword would make an important addition to any collection.  Information on the Iida (IIDA) lock can be found on pages 168 & 169 of Jim Dawson's book, Swords of Imperial Japan 1868-1945 Cyclopedia Edition.  Additional information can be found in Fuller and Gregory's book Japanese Military and Civil Swords and Dirks.  

The hamon is exceptional--the temper line billows almost all the way up to the shinogi line.  Once polished this sword will be a screamer.  Sadashige's work is exceptional.  Look at the photos of the hamon to see clues of what will be revealed in the blade once polished.  

The saya is a special lightweight variation--made of lacquer-covered wood.  

The mounts on this antique Japanese World War II Army Officer's sword are in excellent condition.  

The blade saw only superficial oxidation--this sword will polish beautifully.  I can arrange or provide a referral for polish if the buyer wishes.  

The Iida lock functions perfectly.  

This exceptional, and rare, Japanese Army Officer's Samurai katana--with rare IIDA mounts, with hand-made blade by 2 Million Yen Special Honor Noted Seat smith Imai Sadashige, would make the most rare of additions to any collection.

(If paying via credit card or PayPal, 4% credit card fee/PayPal fee added to the purchase price).  

Free shipping within the U.S.  Overseas customers--reach us via the 'Contact Us' tab above to get an accurate shipping quote for your address (St. Croix Blades will deduct from your quote the amount we pay for postage within the U.S., so your shipping cost is reduced!).