Dave R

The whole wakizashi status thing is a bit odd. Nowadays we tend to go with 24 + ins = Katana, anything under is a Wakizashi until we hit 12 inches and then it is a Tanto, but....... The Japanese army in WW2 counted a new purpose made blade over 22 inches as a Katana, and when under pressure in the late war happily took old blades over 21 inches. We also know of more than a few of these under 21 inches in military mounts. Back in the Edo period, a Wakizashi was legally limited to 18 inches and under, and later (but still Edo) further reduced to a maximum of 16 inches blade length. That is why you get so many swords made as Wakizashi, with that second mekugi-ana just a couple of inches away, altered to fit with the change in the law. Interestingly, the Chūshingura deliberately carried swords longer than legally allowed because they were about to make themselves outlaws anyway and the extra length would be an advantage in the coming combat. Personal opinion only here, back in the day the Daito was made to (or bought at) whatever length suited the customer, governed by his height, the intended use, his circumstances , and the school of swordsmanship he followed. As for the 24 inch rule, what a good way to save a lot of swords from the occupation government's policy of destruction, defining anything under 24 inches as a Wakizashi and except from destruction.

"Menuki often are, it's the edges, the way the sword is held, the fact they are raised and (pure conjecture) perhaps the type of paint used." I think you have a point with the type of paint used. It's like lacquer and textile dyes, some colours perform differently to others.

The Japanese army had problems with getting enough swords, and relaxed their original specifications somewhat. They also had sword buying drives where they bought them from the general public in Japan, and accepted blades shorter than regulation. The pdf below explains it in more detail. gunto call up 12-23-2017.pdf

I find that claim to be a little dubious. As a stamp it is fairly common and has other documented reasons for being applied. There were swords specifically made for low temperature use, and they were marked as such, not just with a sakura.

The mounts are odd, the blade tip is at best reshaped, and I have seen nakago' welded onto dodgy blades in the past. There may very well be genuine elements to this package but why buy when there are so many issues. Walk away, and don't turn round.

I would suggest, remounted at least once in its life, but had at one time two mekugi, something that is seen even on old mounts from time to time. It's one of those odd features seen on the swords of people with a real interest in swordsmanship, like full same and a scabbard hook and predates WW2.

Gunzoku were given army ranks but were counted as one step up from that rank when it came to swords. This according to Nick because of their better educational qualifications, so this looks legit, and confirmation of that very thing.. The detail is in here, and it is worth reading the whole thing.https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/Japanese-militaria/what-were-regulations-army-civilian-employees-carry-swords-701783/

Very nice Itomaki, any chance of seeing the other side please?

According to Mr Komiya' research in official documents these are an early Showa era civilian pattern, Gunzoku were supposed to carry a standard Shin-Gunto with an all brown sword knot. This does not exclude them from being carried by Gunzoku though. There was a real sword shortage by 1942 and we quite often see civilian mounts adapted for military service. Swords were being bought up by the military in regular "drives" in order to fill the shortfall in official production. If you have a good search on this area of the forum you will see it covered in a lot more detail. gunto call up 12-23-2017.pdf

I love this "group" though I see no sign of the Dirk here. Decent condition Kai Gunto, stamped and marked as non traditional and Navy. All too often people chase the special and ignore the production pieces. Thank you for putting this one up.

Have a look and see if you can find a stamp anywhere on the tang.

Boars head makes more sense than Bull. I'll go with that.

I think if you were having a sword made in the field, you would have it made to any length you like or could handle. Personally I prefer them at the shorter length. If I remember right Naruse Kanji was a martial artist, so his sword would be made or obtained to fit his preference and school .... A nice subject for someone to research in more detail?

One of the reasons I think it's a custom made "Spring To", old blades that size are rare, and usually very old as in Sengoku Jidai, or temple dedications.