Militaria: Arms & Armor - A Journey Through the Ages
Sat, Jun 28, 2025 11:00AM EDT
Lot 807
Rare Japanese Signed 16th Century Blade Attributed to Nobuyoshi (1532–1555)
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This remarkable signed Japanese sword bridges two pivotal eras in Japan’s history, forged during the tumultuous Sengoku period (Warring States era) of the 1500s and remounted centuries later for service in World War II. The blade is traditionally forged and shows the hallmarks of master craftsmanship: a well-defined shinogi-zukuri profile, a long bohi (fuller) groove, and a visible temper line (hamon), all contributing to an elegant and functional form that reflects the martial artistry of its time.
Upon careful disassembly of the WWII-era officer’s sword, we discovered a handwritten paper tucked into the hilt reading: “Nobuyoshi 1532–1555”, offering a compelling attribution to a swordsmith active during that period. The tang (nakago) bears a signed mei, partially obscured but visible enough to support further study. The blade is in immaculate condition, retaining excellent geometry, edge integrity, and crisp features. While a little tiny bit loose, this sword is an ideal candidate for shinsa (Japanese sword authentication), and is ready to be papered by a recognized sword society with minor visibility maintenance on the mei.
During World War II, it was common for Japanese officers to carry ancestral blades into combat as a symbol of personal and national pride, blending the legacy of bushido with modern military service. This blade was remounted in wartime fittings and a steel scabbard, underscoring its journey from feudal battlefield to 20th-century conflict.
This is an exceptional and rare offering, a genuine 16th-century signed katana with historical attribution and strong papering potential. A true prize for collectors of nihonto, militaria, or Japanese history.
AN EMAIL FROM A BIDDER:
We received a thoughtful message from a bidder who believes this sword may not be a military-issued weapon, but rather a pre-WWII Japanese Mounted Police short sword. In their assessment, the overall length is shorter than what was typically used by military personnel, including pilots and tankers, but is consistent with sidearms carried by mounted police. The symbol on the grip backstrap appears to match those used by police units rather than a traditional family crest, and the handguard and steel scabbard also align more closely with police mounts than with standard military configurations. They suggest the blade itself is likely an older family sword, later mounted in police fittings. While we cannot confirm this interpretation, we’re including it here to provide additional context and insight. Please view the images attached!
Dimensions: Blade length approx. 16" Inches
Total Length w/ Scabbard: 36" Inches , 3FT
Condition
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Very Good/Fine – Shows light to moderate wear, may have minor imperfections. A very fine example of the collectible. May also be labelled as Collector Quality.
Condition assessed using Treasure Trove Auctions’ proprietary grading scale. While we strive for accuracy, all ratings are subjective and based on our best evaluation as determined by a dedicated team of researchers, from expert appraisers to knowledgeable historians and veteran collectors. Full grading details can be found on our Authentication page for reference. For a more in-depth condition report or additional images, please contact us and we will be more than happy to oblige.
Available payment options
If you have not contacted Treasure Trove Auctions 512-221-2540 to arrange payment within 3 days of the time that invoice is sent, we will charge the credit card you used to register for the auction for the amount of your invoice.
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