This traditionally forged gendaitō was made in June of Showa 4 (1929) by the respected Showa period smith Hokuhō Hideaki, who later signed as Toshihide. Born Horii Kanekichi (1886–1943) into a swordsmith family, he trained within a traditional lineage and became one of the more regarded independent gendai smiths working during the late Taishō and early Shōwa periods. This example predates later wartime production and represents his earlier, fully traditional work.

Most notably, this blade was forged using steel taken from the cannon of the battleship Mikasa — the famed flagship of Admiral Tōgō during the Russo-Japanese War. The Mikasa remains one of Japan’s most important naval symbols, and blades made from its cannon steel carry strong patriotic and historical significance. Such swords were produced in limited numbers and are far less common than standard military gendaitō.

Hideaki was recognized as a Rikugun Jumei Tosho (Army Approved Swordsmith), a distinction granted to smiths capable of producing blades meeting traditional standards of forging and durability. Unlike many wartime blades that were oil quenched and mass produced, his work remained rooted in classical technique using tamahagane and water quenching.

The blade is hand forged and water quenched, not oil tempered — an important distinction separating it from the majority of Showa military swords. The workmanship reflects proper traditional construction with healthy activity and correct geometry throughout.

In 1933, Hideaki changed his mei to “Toshihide” out of respect when the kanji used in his name overlapped with that of a newborn Imperial family member. Blades signed “Hideaki” therefore fall within a clearly defined and desirable early period of his career.

An early dated, traditionally forged example by a recognized Showa smith — and made from the cannon steel of the historic battleship Mikasa — this sword stands well above typical WWII production pieces and represents a serious and historically meaningful gendaitō.

Mei (Signature)

元軍担三笠北峰秀明
Moto Guntan Mikasa Hokuhō Hideaki

Date (Ura)

昭和四年六月日
A day in June, Showa 4 (1929)

Condition

• In full professional polish

• Traditional water-quenched hamon

• Properly dated nakago

• Offered in restored koshirae

The mounts have been carefully restored, preserving period character while ensuring proper presentation and structural integrity.

An early dated, traditionally made gendaitō by a recognized Showa smith, complete in koshirae and ready for collection, study, and long-term preservation.