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An Imperial presentation Gassan tachi By Gassan Sadakatsu (1869-1943), dated 1927
Sold for US$12,500 inc. premium
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An Imperial presentation Gassan tachi
Sugata (configuration): honzukuri, iorimune, toriizori, chugissaki
Kitae (forging pattern): ayasugi
Hamon (tempering pattern): suguha in nie
Boshi (tip): komaru
Nakago (tang): ubu with one hole, signed tachi mei: Gassan Sadakatsu kinsaku (respectfuly made by Gassan Sadakatsu) and with kao and dated Showa ninen jugatsu kichijitsu (1927.10 on an auspicious day)
Horimono (carving): bohi on both sides
Habaki (collar): one-piece gold, carved with onshi to indicate Imperial presentation
Nagasa (length from tip to beginning of tang): 26 3/8in (67cm)
Motohaba (width at start of tempered edge): 1in (2.5cm)
Sakihaba (width before tip): 2/8in (1.6cm)
Koshirae (mounts): In Naval dress mounts
With registration certificate issued by the Yokosuka Municipal Public Safety Commission, dated 1950.1.26.
Footnotes
Provenance: Rear Admiral Miwa Yoshitake, (d. 1943) and thence by descent
This sword was acquired directly from Miwa Emiko, the widow of Yoshitake, in 1951. According to her, this sword was presented by the Emperor Hirohito to Yoshitake on the event of his graduation from the Naval Staff College in 1928. It was presented as an award for taking top honors in his graduating class.
This is detailed in a letter written by Miwa Emiko accompanying the sword.
Yoshitake served as the fleet air officer under Adimral Yamamoto Isoroku. He was killed in action in 1944 while holding the rank of Captain. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral.





