1 Japanese WW2 Naval Officer's Samurai sword in high-grade mounts.  The sword blade itself is a very old tachi--likely from either the 13th or 14th Century.  This desirable sword would make an important addition to any collection.

This early Samurai sword was remounted for carry by an Imperial Japanese Naval Officer during World War 2.  The saya/scabbard is the higher-grade sharkskin variation.  This is interesting to note--the front seppa is marked with the Tokogawa Naval Arsenal cherry blossom, and with the initials 'T.E.C.'.  Collectors generally feel this is the name of an arsenal as well--perhaps Tokogawa Arsenal again, or perhaps Tokyo Electric Co. Arsenal.  A very interesting feature. 

The blade measures a long 28 7/16" (72.2 cm) from blade tip to the habaki.  The nakago is unsigned, with two holes.  The lower of the two is early.  As mentioned, this sword is an early Samurai tachi.  Photo 3 above shows the general shape of a tachi--the photo is for reference to show the handle curvature, etc.

The G.I. that brought this sword back put his name on the tsuba--for those that appreciate the history, but don't want a G.I. name showing, the writing is covered completely by the sunrays seppa/spacers.  All seppa and the tsuba have matching assembly numbers--stamped in Japanese kanji. 

This Japanese Naval Officer's Samurai sword is in original Japanese polish.  There are 3 small nicks in the blade edge--none of which is even 1 mm.  This ancient tachi has some signs of age--like an occasional minor ware exposed by many polishes over the centuries.  The blade has occasional surface patina from past light oxidation.  The sharkskin saya is beautiful with just an occasional scratch or scuff.  All fittings, including the silk tsuka/handle wrap, are quite perfect. 



This Japanese WW2 Naval Officer's Samurai sword, with an old Samurai tachi blade, would make an important addition to any collection.