1 exceedingly rare WW2 Japanese Army Officer Presentation Sword.  This rare sword would make an important addition to any collection.

This is a rare World War 2 Presentation Sword.  The front side of the nakago/tang is just filled with kanji.  This side of the tang is written (and translated) as follows:

1st line:  Great Japan Firemen's Association from Saga, Shibu branch

2nd line:  Requested by Fire Department Chief Mr. Nagauchi Kiyokazu

3rd line:  (Showa 10th year, 2nd month) February 1935

The tang is signed on the reverse side with the swordsmith's name 'Hizen (no) Kuni Kinoshita Yoshitada'.  Yoshitada was awarded 1st Seat at the 1941 Sword Exhibition.  Yoshitada is featured on page 201 of Slough's book. 

All military fittings are of premium quality.  Note the fine gold-gilt sarute (tassel loop).  This sword also has a higher quality pierced tsuba.  All fittings have matching assembly numbers.  

The kashira has a Silver family mon.  This mon was used by the Sakai Samurai clan.  Mori Motonari (1497-1571) chose the water plantain as a mon because of a victory in a battle.  Reaching a riverbank and seing a dragon-fly (known as the insect of victory) alighting on a plantain, he mused on the meaning of this sign then rallied his men on to victory. 

The blade measures 26 3/4" (67.9 cm) from blade tip to notch in the blade spine. 

This sword is papered.

This antique Japanese WW2 Army Officer's Presentation Sword is in full polish.  All fittings are in premium condition.  The tsuka/handle wrap has signs of having been carried.  The leather combat cover is in excellent condition.  The combat cover has kept the saya/scabbard is mint condition. 



This papered WW2 Japanese Army Officer's Presentation Sword would make a very fine addition to any collection.