Japanese WWII Landingforce 1944 Officers Sword Katana Sadahige NBTHK Hozon

WWII Japanese Naval Landing Force Officer’s Sword

Signed by Kawano Sadashige — Gassan Sadakatsu School

NBTHK Hozon Certificate | Dated August 1944 (Showa 19)

Summary:

This is an authentic WWII Japanese Naval Landing Force officer’s sword, mounted in rare Type 44 mountings, featuring a traditional hand-forged blade by Sadashige, a master craftsman from the Gassan Sadakatsu lineage. In pristine polish with a dramatic hamon and complete, untouched mounts, this piece is a true collector’s gem — an unaltered time capsule from Japan’s wartime swordsmithing tradition.

Swordsmith Information:

• Name: Kawano Minamoto Sadashige (川野源貞重), real name Kawano Jutaro (川野寿太郎)

• Lineage: Senior disciple of Gassan Sadakatsu

• Award History: Won an award at the 1st Japanese Sword Exhibition in 1935, receiving an honorary silver cup

• School: Gassan (Osaka Rikugun Zouheisho – Osaka Army Arsenal)

Blade Details:

• Signature (Mei): 大阪陸軍造兵廠 川野源貞重 (Osaka Rikugun Zouheisho Kawano Minamoto Sadashige)
  With star stamp and kao (signature mark)

• Date: 昭和十九年八月吉日 — “A lucky day in August, Showa 19” (1944)

• Shape: Shinogi-zukuri

• Construction: Traditional hand-forged blade

• Hamon (Temper Line): Prominent gunome-choji pattern with deep temper at the point

• Hada (Grain): Tight komokume-hada

• Condition: Excellent polish, no rust, no stain — razor-sharp edge

Mounting (Koshirae):

• Type: Type 44 Naval Landing Force officer’s mountings

• Scabbard: Ishimeji (sand-textured) lacquered wood, original urushi finish, excellent condition

• Handle (Tsuka): Tight-fitting, urushi-lacquered tsuka-ito, no cuts or looseness

• Lock Mechanism: Fully functional

• Tassel: Includes original officer’s tassel

Measurements:

• Nagasa (Blade Length): 62.5 cm

• Sori (Curvature): 1.7 cm

• Kissaki (Tip Length): 2.35 cm

• Mekugi (Peg Holes): 2

• Era: Showa (WWII – 1944)

• Origin: Osaka, Japan

Certification:

• Comes with NBTHK Hozon Token certificate — attesting to the authenticity and historical value of the blade.