Ichiryushi (Nagamitsu) Gendaito with Hozon Papers and Koshirae

This sword is a sort of "ultimate" first collector's set. This is a traditionally made nihonto by the WWII era smith "Nagamitsu". For a very long time swords made during WWII were all looked down upon regardless of whether they were finely made traditional swords or just mass produced bar stock. There were, however, some smiths doing solid work at that time, but their work has long found itself grouped together with the rather pedestrian work being churned out for the war effort.

The owner of this Nagamitsu was so impressed with it that he sent it to Japan for repolishing, new koshirae, and submission to the NBTHK for shinsa. It was awarded NBTHK Hozon papers as a genuine Ichihara Nagamitsu and as such is considered a sword worthy of preservation. The NBTHK papers are included with the sword of course. It is not the first Nagamitsu to attain Hozon papers and probably won't be the last. But for a very long time most collectors wouldn't even consider these. But as time has gone by and hindsight has become clearer, the work of some of these smiths active at this time is beginning to find more respect.

In terms of strength and durability, a Nagamitsu katana was used for a kabutowari cut ("traditional Japanese helmet cutting") in 1984 by a rather famous swordsman, Saruta Mitsuhira. The cut left a deep gouge in the helmet and left the sword with no apparent damage. Increasingly Ichihara Nagamitsu's sword are gaining the respect they had long deserved.

The sword is signed "Ichiryushi". It has been completely repolished in Japan and comes with NBTHK Hozon Papers. It comes with a new shirasaya, new gin-muku habaki, Japanese made custom koshirae with an inro kizami style saya with a steel kojiri, a gendai tsuba by Tomoji (Shuji Yamamoto), with modern fuchi kashira and menuki by Legacy Arts. The tsuka is wrapped in a deep purple silk. There is even a tsunagi (wooden sword "placeholder") for displaying the koshirae when you keep the blade in the shirasaya.

The hamon is Nagamitsu's preferred tight ko-choji with itame hada. Nagasa is 26 5/8".

As most realize, just sending a sword to Japan for shinsa is an expensive proposition. Not to mention a arranging for a shirasaya, whole new koshirae, new solid silver habaki and a complete repolish. But everything has been done for this sword -- there's nothing left to do but study and enjoy it.

Price: $6,200.00 USD.

ON HOLD

Ichiryushi (Nagamitsu) Gendaito with NBTHK Hozon Papers and Koshirae

Fully repolished in Japan. Showa Era "Nagamitsu" with his "Ichiryushi" mei.