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1 Japanese World War II Army Officer's katana which appeared in Fuller & Gregory's book, A Guide to Showa Swordsmiths.  As important, this sword features rare Army mounts.  This mount's variation is 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, 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. 

As mentioned, this sword was used as the oshigata example in Fuller & Gregory's book.  Note the oxidation on the nakago matching the oxidation on the oshigata.  Also, the original paperwork from Fuller & Gregory comes with this sword. 

The blade measures 26 7/8" (68.3 cm) from blade tip to the notch in the blade spine.  The kabutogane/kashira fittings has a Silver Samurai family mon.  This family crest is from the Sanga Samurai clan. 

The Iida lock is a weather-proofing mount designed to keep water out of the saya.  This exceptionally rare mount 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.  Photos of these two pages can be found to the left.

This sword is in wonderful condition.  The mounts are in exceptional condition.  The Iida lock functions perfectly.  The blade has a tiny nick at the tip. 




This exceptional, and rare, Japanese Army Officer's Samurai katana--with rare IIDA mounts, having been featured in Fuller & Gregory's book, and with hand-made blade by 2 Million Yen Special Honor Noted Seat smith Sadashige, would make an important addition to any collection.