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.
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.