Tokyo Nihonto
Trusted by collectors · TrustpilotAntique Japanese Katana Sword signed by Kanetaka (WW2)
Antique Japanese Katana Sword signed by Kanetaka (WW2)
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Sword Specifications
- Signature: Kanetaka (兼上)
- Signature (omote) 昭和十九年五月 (Showa 19, May)
- Period: Showa
- Blade Length: 63.0 cm
- Curvature: 1.6 cm
- Width at Base: 3.15 cm
- Width at Tip: 2.08 cm
- Thickness at Base: 6.8 mm
- Thickness at Tip: 5.1 mm
- Blade Weight: 741 g
- Weight with Saya: 967 g
- Mekugi-ana (Peg Holes): 1
- Mounting Dimensions: Total length 99.5 cm / Saya 75.3 cm / Tsuka 23.7 cm
This is a genuine World War II-era Japanese guntō (military sword) forged by Kanetaka (兼上) in May 1944, near the end of the Pacific War. The blade is signed and features the rare and sought-after star stamp (★), indicating that it passed official military durability and cutting tests. It also used to indicate blades made by smiths of the Rikugun Jumei Tosho (Army approved swordsmiths).
On the tang, the sword bears the “名” inspection mark of the Nagoya Army Arsenal, confirming it was officially assembled and inspected for use by the Imperial Japanese Army. These characteristics identify the blade as a high-grade Type 3 guntō.
Mountings & Special Features
- Koshirae: Black lacquered military-style mounting
- Condition: Excellent overall with no fatal flaws. Minor surface marks and age-related wear consistent with use and age. Blade remains sharp and structurally sound.
- Accessories: Includes sword bag
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Payment
You can pay by Bank card or Bank transfer. If you wish to use bank transfer please contact us using the form bellow with the name of the sword you are willing to buy.
Customs and Taxes
・Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
・Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.
・These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up - do not confuse them for additional shipping charges.
Shipping and Return
- Swords are shipped from Tokyo, Japan. We manage all the procedures to export the sword.
- You can't return sword to Japan because procedures are too strict.
- We work with a shipping company that have experience with Nihonto so you don't have to worry.
- Please check the rules of your country before importing the sword. We do not take any responsibility, including (not limited to) refund, due to the above reasons.
- We can NOT cancel an order once, we already applied for the export authorization. As this document is made to customer name.
We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Hong Kong, and Australia. If you don’t live in these countries and like to order, please contact us first before purchasing. We normally ship by EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post.
If you live in the UK, please contact us BEFORE order.
Export Procedure (We manage it)
・All our swords are registered in the Agency for Cultural Affairs as artwork and The Board of Education(Cultural properties protection Committee); therefore each sword has the registration card, issued by the Board of Education.
・After receiving the full payment of the items,we return the registration card and get the permission from Ministry of Cultural Affairs to export the swords legally from Japan. It will take about 1 to 3 months for that step.
・After the receiving the permission, we will inform you by email and send the items immediately.
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What Our Collectors Say
Independent reviews from verified buyers on Trustpilot
Wonderful folks to buy from
“Large selection to choose from. The katana were signed with Hozon and the blades in a shirasaya. My two katana and Kozuka came packed in a solid wooden crate. Great friendly communication.”
Got a beautiful sword delivered to NYC
“Condition is just as pictured. Took a little while to get all the way to the states, but I was very happy with this seller and plan to purchase more from them.”
Order with confidence
“In the end I received what I ordered, well-packaged and in the condition specified.”
Un katana antique magnifique
“J'ai posé beaucoup de questions au support qui a su répondre et m'aider dans mon choix. La commande est arrivée avec le certificat dans un emballage robuste et en parfait état, il est vraiment magnifique !”