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LOT 3250
Suit of Japanese Armor with Display
Stand - Constructed primarily
from black lacquered metal plates assembled with blue and green cord, with blue/ floral pattern backing material,
and areas of
“tatami” plate
and chain
protection at
the elbows and
upper arms and
hexagonal plates
around the neck.
A swiveling upper bracket and fixed lower bracket for a sashimono banner are present on the back, with traditional hanging guards for the shoulders and thighs. The helmet is constructed from 18 plates in the crown, 9 in the neck protector and a two-piece visor, fitted with an ornament of a demon head featuring prominent stag horns and decorative mon patterns, and paired with a menpo-pattern lower faceguard (sans nose/ upper lip protector) The set is assembled on a hardwood display frame, positioned atop (but not mounted to) a hardwood box. The consignor attributes the set to 1850-1875.
CONDITION: Very good overall, showing mild wear and tear overall, with cracking and flaking of the enamel and areas of fading/discoloration on the other materials.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3251
Fine Signed Meiji Era Japanese Tanto Length Knife Blade with
NTHK Certification - Measuring 13 1/4 inches overall with a 9 1/4 inch
live edge, the blade features a very strong, very straight hamon, attractive and vivid grain, and a nearly straight spine. A single mekugi- ana is present in the tang, which is signed with 6 carved symbols on the right and 7 on the left. The furniture follows the shirasaya pattern, with an integral wooden habaki in the grip. A set of paperwork from the NTHK (both the fine “origami” presentation paperwork and the examiner’s worksheet, with numbered envelope) is included, identifying the left side marking as the signature “Mishina Minamoto Hisamichi Saku” (a smith of the Mishina school, not positively identified), and the right side marking as the date “Meiji 3 Nen
8 Gatsu Hi” (3rd year and 8th month of the Meiji era, approximately 1871). The blade was rated at 70 points, qualifying for “Kantei Sho” (authentic)
level certification.
CONDITION: The fine blade shows some minor wear and dark spots, with some minor pitting under the habaki. The tang shows a well aged gray patina. Mild dings and scratches are present on the furniture.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
OT 3252
Wakizashi Length Japanese Sword with Case and NTHK Paperwork - Measuring 30 1/2 inches
verall with a 21 inch live edge, the blade features a strong, wavy hamon, attractive and vivid grain,
and a silver plated habaki. The blackened copper tsuba is octagonal, and the fuchi and kashira are of similar construction
with gold accent leaf designs. A pair of gold accented menuki depicting men in boats are present under the brown cord.
The saya is finished in a mixed brown lacquer with iridescent accents and copper lacquer floral motifs. The tang has
one mekugi-ana, with an inlaid metal, two-symbol, signature. An included NTHK worksheet describes this signature as
“Kanemoto”, but lists it as fake. While not granted certification, the evaluators estimated the item as being of the Edo
period, Darani school, Kaga province. A cloth case with floral motifs is included.
CONDITION: Fine. Some light spotting and handling marks are present on the otherwise excellent blade, with some cracking and splitting of the saya, fraying of the grip wrap, and mild handling overall. The tang is well aged in appearance. Minor stains and wear on the case.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 3253
Attractive Signed Katana-Length Japanese Blade with Shirasaya Fittings - Measuring 34 1/4 inches overall with a 25 3/4 inch live edge, the blade features a very strong,
wavy hamon and attractive and vivid grain. A single mekugi-ana is present in the
tang, which is signed with 8 carved symbols on the right and 7 on the left. The
furniture follows the shirasaya pattern, with an ebony accent piece on one side of
the mekugi-ana, a separate hardwood habaki, and a set of untranslated black paint
markings on the saya.
CONDITION: The extremely fine blade shows minor spotting and handling marks
overall, with attractive color and a strong hamon. The tang has turned a mixed gray,
with a matte appearance and mild spotting. The fittings show mild dents and scuffs.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
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