S.O.L.D.***TANTO Sakai Ikkansai SHIGEMASA Commemorating Acceptance as MUKANSA SMITH May 1981

[Robert Arief]

Some brief information: This is an excellent and important tanto, as he made this to celebrate his commemoration as a Mukansa smith in 1981. SHIGEMASA's claim to some historical fame because during WWII he was honored with the task to forge ten tanto for Admiral Yamamoto, the Japanese Imperial Navy Commander in charge of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The admiral rewarded several of his officers who merited special recognition for their part in the historical battle with these tanto. SHIGEMASA is also recognized as "the apprentice" to the great swordsmith KASAMA SHIGETSUGU. I am keeping my commentary to this bare bones because serious inquirers are more experienced than me and so i will stick to posting quality pics. Please excuse the Japanese language sword termonologies that are commonly used by Nihonto afficianados.
SWORD INFORMATION:
Type: Tanto
Sugata: Hira-Zukuri
Date: A Lucky Day in May, 1981
School: KASAMA IKKANSAI SHIGETSUGU MON
Authentication /Papers: NTHK Kanteisho
Nagasa: 25.9cm
Mihaba: 2.74cm
Kasane: 0.61cm
SMITH INFORMATION:
Born 1905. Died 1995
Started apprenticeship in 1925 with swordsmith KASAMA SHIGETSUGU.
Became independent 1932.
During WWII he forged for Nihonto tanrenkai and for Okura Nihonto tanrenjo.
Like his master SHIGETSUGU, he too was an excellent horimono carver.
Asking $4,150.00. This price has already been reduced because the tanto has a couple of pieces of shingane and there is the lost kogatana.
No trades please because I recently retired and downsizing to live full-time in a RV.
No international transaction.
Will offer 72 hours approval.
More pics upon request.

 

[Robert Arief]

A forum friend has asked me if the second photograph depicts two different tanto. The sale is for the pair. The ornate lacquer sheath has only a "wooden" blade installed in the handle. The light brown plain wooden sheath houses the actual steel blade for storage protection. It is quite a rare thing to see a Nihonto that also has an ornate beautifullly crafted lacquer sheath. For those on the forum new to the Nihonto world, I hope the photographs are able to provide an idea of what it is like. Enjoy.

 

[Robert Arief]

Someone here asked about the second photograph, wondering what the empty slot/pocket seen on the elaborate lacquer scabbard was for. This slot is for a "kogatana," a utility or pocket knife or a decorative handled tool.

 

[Robert Arief]

SOLD on offsite.