WW2 Katana sword by Kinju
A Japanese Kinju katana, especially high-grade in excellent condition. Brought back by a Friends father who was a Naval officer. Sword still has the surrender tag on it listing a 2nd Lieutenant Kyosou Masao. Shichiura 2169 Troop Army. The 1st 2 words on the balde are kinju Saku .
36"
Other
Yes
Hello, this item is a Japanese World War II era katana signed Kinjū saku, indicating manufacture by the smith Kinjū during the Shōwa period. The blade form, tang inscription, and military style mounting are consistent with a traditionally forged gendaitō produced for officer use rather than a mass produced machine made blade. The presence of the original surrender tag is significant and adds historical value, as it documents the sword’s association with a named Imperial Japanese Army officer and confirms wartime capture provenance. The overall configuration, including the ray skin wrapped grip, regulation fittings, and wooden scabbard, aligns with higher grade officer issue swords produced in the late 1930s to early 1940s.
Condition appears excellent, with the blade retaining a clean surface, visible hamon, and minimal corrosion, while the fittings show honest wear consistent with age and service. Gendaitō by named smiths with clear signatures and intact surrender tags are increasingly sought after by collectors. Comparable WWII Japanese officer swords by documented smiths typically sell in the range of $4,500 to $8,000 USD, depending on blade quality, condition, and provenance.
Dear customer,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I appreciate you explaining your expectations and concerns so clearly.
I understand your disappointment, especially given the importance of obtaining an independent professional opinion for an object of this nature. My appraisal was prepared according to the standard format and scope used on this platform, which focuses on an expert visual and historical assessment based on the images and information available, current market data, and comparable sales. It is not intended to function as a signed certificate of authenticity or a multi page institutional research dossier.
Regarding value, my assessment reflects a conservative market based appraisal grounded in verified auction results and documented examples, rather than speculative upper ranges or automated estimates. AI generated values and unspecialized online listings often reflect asking prices or optimistic projections, which do not always align with realized market outcomes, especially for WWII period swords where provenance, documentation, and attribution standards are very strict.
That said, I fully respect that different appraisal contexts exist and that your expectations were shaped by other professional frameworks. I regret that the format and scope did not align with what you were hoping to receive, and I appreciate your candid feedback.
Thank you again for engaging thoughtfully, and I wish you the very best with your katana and any further research or evaluations you may pursue. I encourage you to reach out to Mearto Services team if you need any specific Taylor made services in the future.
Best,
Tell me what other photos you want I sent 10-20 already.
TO Whom it may concern:
I recently received back the appraisal on my WW2 Katana sword by Kinju, I was disappointed. It was important to get a 3rd party opinion to validate this item.
I thought an appraisal would have more information and research than just what I provided you. When I do a appraisal on military items, we provide a data sheet on the information we found, in signed format. I was under the impression an appraisal would come with signed certification.
The appraisal comes in $10,000 less than even the AI programs I used. Most sites are coming in at $10-20K and the markings on the handle could make the values in the $50k range.
I guess I set my expectations too high.