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Item No. 23 - Shibuichi Fuchi Kashira with copper , shakudo and gold inlays. Sparrows ? flying amongst stooks of rice , signed Yasuchika ?

Three is a crowd! I am going to embark on writing up the sword's history soon, after I learn a little more about RJT. I have been reading through some excellent threads here and on other forums linked from here.

For those who didn't see the story on Facebook, and didn't know about the discovery, I would urge you to check out the latest article in the Downloads section regarding a significant find in the Nihonto world. My thanks and congratulations go out to Ian Brooks - @Ian B3HR2UH Awesome story!

I came across an interesting signature on a guntō today. The sword was posted on FB by someone who supposedly inherited it from his grandfather. My attention was immediately drawn to the engraved cherry blossom, which I have never seen on a gunto before. Below which is written ‘Tōkyō Kaikōsha (東京偕行社). After a little research I discovered that Kaikōsha was an ‘old boys‘ club of sorts for retired officers. However, it also seems that they manufactured and sold military equipment, though I was unable to find any other examples of the cherry blossom or organisation’s name engraved on guntō. Has anyone else encountered one of these before?

IMO, gimei (not original signature). To me, it looks like the blade has been shortened over it's life, due to the several ana (holes) in the nakago (tang) meaning, if there was a signature, it may have been lost or would be further down on the nakago. Also, the polish is very poor making blade identification (i.e. if it is a real Nagamitsu) more difficult. I like the sugata (shape) though.

With the help of BangBangSan, I have transcribed the kanji characters that appear on the blue label. On the label, the characters are written from right to left. However, below I have reversed the order to left to right. I have used the translations that appear on the blue label. The characters 檢査證 translates as "inspection certificate" while the label uses "Passed." There are minor differences in the appearance of the characters between the various blue labels indicating different printings. Keep in mind that these labels are frequently overstamped or written upon by the various inspectors. 関刃物工業組合 = Seki hamono kōgyō kumiai = The Seki Cutlery Manufacturers’ Society. 岐阜縣関町 = Gifu-ken Seki-chō = Seki, Gifuken, Japan. 檢査證 = kensa-shō = Passed. Old to new character conversions. 縣 = 県. 檢 = 検. 證 = 証.

Mike Hickman Smith could repair this without a problem

Roger - its clear you have a nice blade by Ryumon Nobuyoshi with a sayagaki by Tanobe Sensei of the NBTHK - the photos are a little small, having trouble enlarging them enough to read. Might help if you can post closer up pictures. Of Course there is sure to be someone on here who can translate this for you. -t

At least two that I am aware of. The Kaikōsha had a store, sometimes called a counter, where pistols and swords could be purchased. Officer Swords & Enlisted Men, Post #4 Please Help With Mei Translation

NTHK 2021 West Coast Shinsa San Francisco Airport Marriott August 6th, 7th, and 8th 2021 Registration $100 per item, certified items will require an additional $150 fee to receive origami. Cash only the day of the show. NTHK 2021 WESTCOAST SHINSA Box 142 2268 Westborough Boulevard South San Francisco, California, USA 94080 toryu@toryu-mon.com

Thoughts on this blade and the signature? Looks to be Nagamitsu. Muromachi period? Im unsure on the signature though. I am very much so an amateur collector... Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Here is a link to an older blade. 刀　東京偕行社 (指揮刀型軍刀 兼用刀) 懸賞論文優等賞 Link to a sword care box with hanger. 旧日本軍　軍刀の部分と刀手入用具　陸軍偕行社軍需部

濃州関住後藤兼廣作

Paul doesn't do any work, but he's the best one to advise you who in the UK does what.

Thomas Add one more, not mine.

昭和十五年八月

Chris, The gunto is legit, Iijima Contractor, Kokura Arsenal. But the tassel is a modern replica. Saya has seen a lot of use, but blade looks good.

Wow..that was a great read. You have a way with words, felt like I was there. Real battle must have been terrible. Can you imagine doing all of that with bullets and arrows flying by? Reminds us that war is hell. Thanks for sharing Piers. Keep yourself and your powder dry

What better to read with my morning bowl of porridge, than Piers latest military operations. Tsuyama seems to be a bit of a rain magnet. I remember quite dark clouds and rain, when I visited the place in connection to one of your displays. Very vise move to rest the 50’. Hearing about the power of the new 100’ warms the heart of this ol’ tepponista. Can’t wait to hear it ”live” after this darn pandemic is done with. Interesting piece of insight at the end regarding the amount of effective rounds fired by a matchlock in the rain. Worth keeping in mind when you read about the old battles being fought over several hours. It also strengthen my own opinion that matchlocks were indeed a weapon mostly used as an initial shock-weapon. As you say, after 5-6 rounds, the matchlock had played its part and it was time to bring out the edged weapons. Thanks for taking the time writing this, Piers! Jan

Bruce, same sword, Andrew is the lucky new owner.

A 2-piece with horizontal and vertical burrs; found HERE.

A good question, Roger, with many possible answers. Recently I have been thinking that there may have been at least two facets to this, an earlier and a later stage. One, establishing that Christianity somehow fits into established background traditions, during a time of proselytizing. Two, later, on the backfoot under persecution, furtively revealed to fellow converts to establish fraternity/credibility. if ever it became too dangerous, as you say, then said tsuba might well have been removed from the blade and hidden somewhere.

Jan Pettersson has been pushing me to write something about our latest defense at Tsuyama Castle. Therefore. Early on Sunday 4th April, our various baggage trains set out for magnificent Tsuyama in the pouring rain. We all arrived around 8:30 am to offload tons of kit as the rain grew more persistent. Perhaps 100 boxes and bags. "No point in putting on the armour and strapping on our swords", I thought as we lugged everything to the changing rooms. My back has been suddenly letting go recently, (since Tottori Castle above in mid-March) and I had brought a 'new' complicated set of Kote greaves that needed trying out for size, strength and fit, so I was not feeling entirely confident anyway, in body or outfit. At the back of my mind was also the worry that they might just push this thing through regardless. I should add that one of the characteristics of our troop is that we use genuine antique armour, sword fittings and matchlocks. If we do compromise, it is mostly in the footwear, although some members will insist on wearing genuine straw waraji, with their toes hanging off the front. One mark of a true leader is the ability to get people to do things they would not normally contemplate. Bento lunches appeared, gunpowder was handed out, and our marching and firing orders were given. Still the rain fell outside. Everyone started loading the guns, and donning armour, piece by piece, in time-honored fashion, as if they had not noticed the weather. A message came through that we had been summoned up the flights of steps to the second level of the castle, where the main Sakura Festival was being held. We gathered outside in the street, the banners were raised, the drums and gongs were beaten, and we formed into a snaking column, ready to march off to the castle gates. I tried to find somewhere dry for my powder and matchcord. There were very few people around, although rows of foodstalls had been set up in forlorn hopes. Again I counted the massive stone steps under my feet. "Step by step one gets to Rome", I muttered. Exactly seventy of these later we were up at the staging area. Luckily there were some small tents where we waited to be called. I managed to grab one of the few chairs, hoping age might come before beauty. Rain poured off the edge of the tent roof. Now I have a confession. The wife had made me promise to make the right decision over me back and the heavy gun. "I trust you", she added, (although I have never heard her say that before). All the way to the venue I had debated in my mind. Eventually I went to our leader and begged out of the 50 Monme part of the display. He reached down and picked up a sealed bag. He had prepared a special short section of hammered match for me with my name on it, so I felt both ashamed and guilty. He accepted, but took the opportunity to make loud comments over my shirking of duty, even over the microphone during the live display. Luckily I am old enough to laugh and shrug it off, and the spectators enjoyed the little tidbit. So there you have it. Suddenly all was movement as we stood up and formed outside, carrying guns and equipment to the main steps to the upper levels, forming the backdrop to our display. I lit my now shortened matchcord before leaving the safety of the tent, and kept it burning inside my cupped fist. All of our gun/cannon boxes and cases were kept closed until the last second, and then we began. The muzzle reports were strangely muted in the rain, and clouds of wadding landed wetly like Sakura petals. A knot of spectators, perhaps fifty or so, gathered under their umbrellas in front of us. I think they had come to see the famous newly-repatriated 100 Monme, advertised recently by the lovely DJ Misuzu San on Tsuyama FM radio. The highlight of the show was when Mr K lifted and fired the 100 Monme. This time it was loaded properly and the boom was most satisfactory. The kick knocked him over onto the sopping ground, but he managed to pull himself upright and recover. Finally it was time for our last full broadside. "Tama-gomé", came the shouted order. I poured a tube of blackpowder down the now slippery gun and tried to remove the wet ramrod. Impossible. For a second I thought of using my teeth, but gave up. As I leant over to insert priming powder, a trickle of drops fell from my kabuto into the firing pan, so I jerked my head right. Lifting up the slimy gun, I blew on the match one last time, fitted it, and cocked the serpentine. In the general roar of twenty matchlocks, she went off better than I was expecting. I am now more certain than ever that six shots in the rain is probably close to the limit for a matchlock, relying as it does on dry powder and cord. Awaiting photos...

They are a surprisingly common pattern and do turn up on auction sites very often, most are good quality utsushi but a few cast examples do the rounds. Daisho are rarer to find of course and would command a higher price but 75,000 yen is reasonably average for two. I supply an image of utsushi that I have collected, the boxed two on the right are anomalous as they do not have pierced windows. PS. an un-gilded single one sold for $40 last week - but the images were poor and there was no guarantee it wasn't cast.

Agreed. Great comprehensive sleuthing. A most enjoyable read.

Read first half on FB hope to finish soon. Thanks to Andy for posting ther n bringing too light. Well spotted Ian...well done mate!

I tend to encounter a number of tanto with shingane present. I was actually just handling this one a few ago, which is a wonderful piece for the intact Nanbokucho date (and also special for having been in the collection of our friend Arnold Frenzel). But as shown in the photos about 60%+ of the ji displays shingane. The Shitahara Masamune is about the same. http://www.nihontocraft.com/Bizen_Yukimitsu_Tanto.htm

Thanks Ian for sharing this wonderful journey and story.

Ian

I located the pictures of the 宗利 with the タ2353 marking and will post a link below. It was an interesting website and I located several articles of interest and downloaded them. I am sure others will like browsing the site too. Katana - Munetoshi

Great job John. Its allways a pleasure to see one restored.

What Jean Said. Micah, the problem here is that it seems that you have approached this the wrong way around in that you've decided what you would like the sword to be and tried to make its characteristics fit that description. The issue is that there isn't much that can be gleaned from this blade. Even if it was in perfect condition, you might struggle to get past late muromachi to shinto mu mei wakizashi but, in this condition, there's nothing definitive that can be said and to categorize it as a "Satsuma" blade, whether made in the province or used in the rebellion, doesn't add up. Yes it may be, but it's way more likely that it got into that condition being stuffed into someone's attic and forgotten about. When you hear the sound of hooves, think horse rather than zebra.

Useless discussion in my eyes.

There are some well complicated blade sections there...

I would have bought it just for the habaki and fittings

It's got age to it, and a nice shape. Kaga nakago maybe? Post a few in focus close ups of the worst areas on the blade? Hit it with lots of oil, and wipe repeatedly. You need to neutralize the rust. Just oil...soak, wipe...repeat. Just one light wipe of the nakago to prevent any active rust. Thereafter don't treat it anymore.

Good looking tsuba in good condition. I think it's one you can enjoy.

Thanks to everyone for looking / contributing - Supposedly inspired by Shinsui Ito , this Tsuba shows a scene from a bath house. A translation of the inscription would be most welcome... Certainly a striking piece of work , although maybe not worth waiting for. And so , for the ' reveal ' -

No. 19 - A modern ( less than 100 years old ) tsuba 9.0cm x 8.5cm x 0.5cm . Copper with gold and silver inlays. Closest I could come up with , in keeping with the time of year. I have asked for an interpretation of the ' judgement ' from the very talented members in the translation section of the board , but please feel free to pass your own verdict. The rear of the tsuba is also shown - a little earlier than I would normally post - to give whoever is interested a bit of time to come up with what might be on the front . All will be revealed late tomorrow ( Thursday ) . Please do not worry , due gravity and seriousness will apply again from item 20...

A little seen RJT (star stamp) smith is ENDO TOMONARI. Here is a July 1944 example, in premium RS mounts. It is in war time polish, which is very basic as are all war time polishes. But polished enough to see a wide suguha hamon, and hada. This is a powerful sword, that would give confidence to the officer who would use it. It would be stunning polished, but I tend to like swords the way they were found.

No. 11 - Mokko Tsuba in style of Sugiura Joi ? Copper with shakudo and gold inlays / highlights. Subject of Bishamonten and Oni . Signed Mitsumura ? in plaque 6.95 x 6.43 x 0.39cm One of these pieces that looks far better in the hand... Thickness reduces to approx. 0.22 cm at edge , fine surface texture all over background , both sides. Much detail difficult to see without magnification. Bought this off ebay 16 years ago before it got flooded with fakes.

No.9 - Iron tsuba with gold highlights Bushu Ito school. 7.7 x 7.5 cm x 4mm . Signed Bushu ju Masakatsu. Purchased over 12 years ago from a senior and esteemed board member... Design of Japanese Irises , a precursor of Art Nouveau , this tsuba dates from the second half 17th century (1600s) and is therefore approx. 350 years old. This information from Haynes #04085.0 ? I do not have the Haynes book . In the Markus Sesko Genealogies book , however , page 112 , shows him as a later generation artist. Can anybody please make some sense of this ? NBTHK papered and published October 2007.

No. 8b Fuchi Kashira signed Ishiguro Masayoshi featuring Gama-sennin and his toad together with another sage , Tekkai ? before having to take the beggars body ? Very fine and detailed work - very difficult to photo without a full set-up. Any ideas about the second sage ?

And post no. 6b - from the same auction lot as the previous tsuba , eleven cranes in flight - pattern book again ?

No.5 Kozuka by Issai Hogen ( Tsuchiya Takechika ) Reverse with signature and 2 line inscription in grass script - Help !! Please... Ex. Hartman Collection Finely worked fitting from Late Edo period

Gimei or not, that looks really beautiful to me. Good luck with shinsa!

Hi All, Here is a picture of my label/sticker if of any use. Obviously wooden saya leather covered All the best

Here is its brother. Bruce, you have already got a photo of this in your stamp document.

Hi, The other side mei says Made by Kaikōsha(The Army Club "Kaikōsha")偕行社謹作 This sword was sold from The Army Club Kaikōsha.

There are more genuine antiques present on those pictures than you see in a well-stocked antique-shop 🙂🙂🙂 Jan