Naval Stamped Katana blade rarity?

Greetings to all.

I ran into a sword yesterday that had a distinct anchor (surrounded by circle) neat the top of the Nakago (prior to habaki) and am wondering how rare they might be? I've seen star-stamped blades of course, but this was the first I'd seen with a distinct Anchor. Gunto mounts, obviously, but the blade was in excellent condition with little aging of the Nakago - a clue that it may have been kept out of the elements and humidity. The craftsmanship did not indicate it was a Chinese fake....

I'd guess it was made for a Naval officer, but perhaps there are tons out there and I just haven't seen them?

Thanks in advance,

Curtis R.

It's a clue the blade is stainless. No, they aren't that rare- there have been several posted here recently...

Have a look at this Curtis:

http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~t-ohmura/gunto_121.htm

Thank you Chris - it makes sense that the Navy would use stainless - duh - should have thought of that! And yes, the stamo is exactly as the right sided of the Toyokawa mons. No mei on the blade, either.

Thanks very much! I'll study the page a bit more too, so when I run into them again......

Cheers,

Curtis R.