Sword - Katana – Military Mounting with Cherry Blossom Crest Fittings and Silk Bag - Japan

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Important notes – Swords】

・Please note that obtaining the necessary export permit for sword typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks, so kindly be aware of this timeline in advance.
・The following countries prohibit sword imports, so please refrain from bidding. (AUSTRIA, BELGIUM & the UNITED KINGDOM)
・The following countries can be shipped by airmail (GERMANY, FRANCE, POLAND & the UNITED STATES). All other destinations will be shipped by Japan Post seamail (lead time 3 to 4 months), as airlines refuse to carry swords. However, if you require faster delivery, air shipping may be possible through a different carrier for an additional fee, so please contact us.

【Product details】

This is an early Showa period Japanese military officer’s sword, mounted in a complete set of fittings and accompanied by its silk storage bag. The scabbard is leather-covered, designed for military use, and shows areas of wear and reinforcement.

The hilt is fitted with menuki in the form of cherry blossoms, a motif traditionally symbolising the transient beauty of life and the spirit of the warrior. The brass tsuba is decorated with engraved cherry blossom designs, echoing the same emblematic motif used throughout the mountings.

The tang (nakago) bears the number “229” painted in red. The blade is unsigned. The fittings have developed a natural patina with age. The saya exhibits blemishes, cracking, and signs of reinforcement, reflecting long use.

The Firearms and Swords Registration Certificate records the piece as a sword (katana) with a blade length of 64.7 cm, a curvature of 1.4 cm, one mekugi-ana, and no signature. It was issued in Shiga Prefecture under number 22318 on 29 May of Reiwa 7 (2025). A copy of this certificate will be provided, as the original document will be returned to the authorities.

The blade shows multiple nicks and chips along the edge, scratches on the tip, and rust on the back ridge (mune). The tsuba is slightly loose, and when the handle is moved from side to side, a rattling sound can be heard inside, likely from the tang (nakago) rather than the tsuba itself. Please refer to the photographs for the detailed condition. The stand is not included with this lot.

Total length of the blade: 87.5 cm
Total length including scabbard: 96.5 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!