Katana by Sukemitsu, a Showa-to This katana, a showa-to of 26.0 inch and signed Sukegawa Sukemitsu is in very good polish. There is no stamp on this blade but the hamon looks like that found on showa-to There are signs of workings in the hada so this might be a han-tanren abura yaki-ire sword. The han-tanren abura yaki-ire swords are “partly forged oil-hardened blades” as noted in Richard Fuller’s Japanese Military and Civil Swords and Dirks. A showa-to is a blade not made in the traditional methods but still are very good cutters. The mounts are in good shape and the sword would made a very good addition to a collection of military swords. Asking $925 inventory 6/03/2RB David McDonald jswords@mcn.net

 

2003jun2RB Sukemitsu blade.jpg

2003jun2RB Sukemitsu koshirae.jpg

2003jun2RB Sukemitsu nakago.jpg

2003jun2RB Sukemitsu tsuka.jpg