January 16, 2020 09:00 AM PST Annex
183
Japanese Sword with Imperial Mon
An outstanding Japanese katana in better quality wartime mounts with an excellent blade in full polish with a wavy hamon. The sword has a wooden tag on the scabbard ring. It belonged to U.S. Navy Captain Kenneth Washburn Hines, who was present at the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay, where this sword was given to him. He was Serving on the cruiser U.S.S. St. Paul, the ship which fired the last big-gun naval shots of the War in the Pacific.
On the tang is a large. 16-petal chrysanthemum stamp, indicating either a smith who was granted use of the chrysanthemum such as 17th century smith Kami Kunisada, or Noboyushi, or others. Or, it could also denote a sword with an Imperial connection, such as that the officer who carried the sword was either a member of the Imperial family, or it was presented to him by a member of the Imperial family. This is also reflected in the better quality of the mounts. The habaki is two-piece, and the tsuba is pierced. Many of the other mounts are either engraved, or of better quality.
This is an extremely rare sword of highest quality, and a definite Imperial connection. (Comes with a typed reminiscence by the son of Captain Hines). Processing and shipping within the continental United States $55.00 plus 1.5% replacement cost insurance.
Condition:
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Estimate:
$500 -
$1,000
Price Realized Including Buyer's Premium
$4,114
01/16/2020
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Consign With UsWitherell strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Witherell. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms and Conditions. Methods of payment are cash, check, money orders, or wire transfer for foreign payments. Please note we do not accept credit cards. This auction has a buyer's premium of 15%.
