Magnificent Near Mint Gendaito, WW2 Officer's Sword By A Jo-Jo Saku (Above-Superior Work) Highly Ranked Traditional Sword Maker in The Tosho Banzuke 刀匠番附 That Was Published for 1941. Signed: Chikuzen Fukuoka Ju Moritsugu Norisada Saku Kore

Whoever is the lucky person to next acquire this sword will be extraordinarily fortunate, in that traditionally made swords from WW2, of this highest ranked quality, and not to mention in near mint condition, very rarely surface for sale. He was also an esteemed maker for swords presented to Shinto shrines in Japan. An equivalent, bespoke, traditionally hand made blade, commissioned from a higher ranked current smith today, would be within the $ 25,000 to $ 60,000 dollar range or even more. {** see below for reference} and that would be for the blade alone, without fittings. With the added feature, that if the smith created a blade that was ranked high enough to be within the $ 60,000 range, it would be forbidden for it to leave Japan by law.

The blade is further dated when it was completed on A Lucky Day In June 1941.

In 1942, Kurihara Hikosaburo, the man who revived the tradition of the Japanese Sword twice, reported the gunto tosho's ranking at Tosho Banzuke (刀匠番附). Effectively, the equivalent to Olympic Medal Winners, in the world of traditional sword making, for the best traditional sword makers list, and their ranking status within that list. Jo-Jo Saku being among the best in Japan. **See the comparative information below for the cost of similar quality traditional blades made today in Japan.

Above excellent, bespoke, traditional hand made blade by the great WW2 smith Norisada. Absolutely mint and beautiful blade made by the famous Chikuzen smith Moritsugu Norisada, He is of the lineage of the famous Chikuzen Fukuoka line that was famous from its makers Koretsugu and Moritsugu.
This blade {and all its fittings} is really exceptional, a blade with an amazing choji midare hamon, with tons of activity (ashi, kinsuji are seen all throughout the hamon), and the blade overall is spectacular.
The pictures do the sword no justice as compared with in hand. His swords often had large amounts of chikei, inazuma and ji nie that can appear all over the ji.
The blade is effectively flawless, in a full Japanese polish which shows all the details very clearly. Also the size of the sword is very strong, long and wide it resembles a top Shinshinto blade! His teacher was the famous Sakurai Manji Masatsugu who was a top smith during the early gendai period. Usually swords made for a special order are of better quality than average for sword makers. Well, it is rare that you can have a chance to acquire such absolutely magnificent sword, a stunningly, traditionally made officers sword from WW2. This blade was obviously well kept by the IJA officer until it was taken by US occupation forces at the end of the war.

Norisada (Moritsugu Norisada) was a highly respected and highly rated Jo Jo Saku Japanese swordsmith during the Showa period who produced the finest gendaito (traditionally made swords) for military use. He is very well-regarded for his work, often signing his blades with his location in Fukuoka.
He was based in Fukuoka (Chikuzen) and often signed his work "Chikuzen Fukuoka Ju Moritsugu Norisada Saku Kore".
His active period for military swords was during WWII, with specific examples dated to 1941 and 1942.
Norisada's work is described as having a "flamboyant hamon" (tempering line) and "detailed activity," often featuring special order, highest-quality blades.
He is noted in references such as the Gendai Toko Meikan (Index of Modern Smiths).
A 1941 blade signed by him was recognized at a special exhibition, during the war, highlighting his reputation.

In 1941, the Japanese swordsmith Moritsugu Norisada was granted a special seat 特別名譽席鍛刀總匠 ( very high ranking) in the Nihon Kendo Oyobi Token (Japan Kendo and Sword) rankings, specifically listed in the Tosho Banzuke (swordsmith ranking list) for that year.
Key details regarding this event include that Norisada was rated at jo-jo saku (above-superior work) in the Tosho Banzuke published in 1941.

The 1941 Tosho Banzuke, published by Nihon Kendo Oyobi, is a crucial reference for identifying highest and high-ranking gendaito (modern swords) smiths during the wartime period.

This period was during World War II when the Dai Nihon Butokukai was heavily involved in organizing and evaluating sword manufacturing.
Norisada's work during this time is recognized for its highest quality, and blades from this period are often considered most valuable examples of wartime gendaito.

It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.

Each hand-made traditional Samurai sword was unique because it was forged using the finest skills known to man. A tremendous amount of work was dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn any decor.

The Samurai sword, from all eras, in all its forms, has grown to be one of the most highly desired and iconic military antiques of all time.

There are many reasons why people enjoy collecting swords. Some people are drawn to the beauty and craftsmanship of swords, while others appreciate their historical and cultural significance. Swords can also be a symbol of power and strength, and some collectors find enjoyment in the challenge of acquiring rare or valuable swords.

One of the greatest joys of sword collecting is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of different civilisations. Swords have been used by warriors for millennia, and each culture has developed its own unique sword designs and traditions. By studying swords, collectors can gain a deeper understanding of the people who made and used them.

Another joy of sword collecting is the sheer variety of swords that are available. There are swords in our gallery from all over the world and from every period of history. Collectors can choose to specialize in a particular type of sword, such as Japanese katanas or medieval longswords, or they can collect a variety of swords from different cultures and time periods. No matter what your reasons for collecting swords, it is a hobby that can provide many years of enjoyment. Swords are beautiful, fascinating, and historically significant objects.

** Authentic, currently, hand-made nihonto (Japanese sword blades) from top-tier, licensed swordsmiths in Japan typically start around $10,000–$25,000 for a katana, with prices often exceeding $60,000 for renowned masters or customized commissions. These, forged from tamahagane steel, require 12+ months to create due to strict legal limits on production, with some high-end, custom pieces from master smiths such as Yoshindo Yoshihara exceeding $10,000 for smaller tanto blades.
A brand new, katana blade from a reputable but lower ranked smith usually starts around $7,500–$10,000.
Master Smith Pricing, such as this gendaito blade would rank, by high-ranking, famous, or award-winning smiths can range from $25,000 to over $60,000. With the added restriction that if the smith created a blade that was ranked high enough to be within the $ 60,000 range, it would be forbidden for it to leave Japan by law.

Production Limitations: Japanese law limits smiths to producing roughly 24 long swords (katana/tachi) per year, significantly driving up demand and cost.

Every item is accompanied with our unique, Certificate of Authenticity. Of course any certificate of authenticity, given by even the best specialist dealers, in any field, all around the world, is simply a piece of paper,…however, ours is backed up with the fact we are the largest dealers of our kind in the world, with over 100 years and four generation’s of professional trading experience behind us.

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