Bruce Pennington

Interesting Steven! I still wonder, though, about using the "\" for "five".

Trystan, that would fit the Arsenal, being a kaigunto.

Chris, I understand your hesitation, however many of us send and recieve blades regularly, and it works out fine. I've used both US Postal and Fedex with no problems (only problem was with USPS to Australia. They contract with Emerates, who refuse to accept blades). Mailing a blade without koshirae, requires care. I use David Hofine's method of wiring the blade to a 1x2 board, then paper, packing tape, and good padding in the box. I'm posting a pic of mine that I sent for polish.

Jon, that's quite unique and beautiful! As to your first question, the black kanji are just assembly numbers "6" "7". Maybe someone can translate the red kanji for you. Unique mark on the nakago too.

Sure, Stephen, I’m just amazed at what you guys do! So, did we come up with a definitive translation?

By Jove, you’re right! I’m surprised I didn’t see it before! It’s either a fuchi or a koiguchi.

Agreed. Trying to be a copper-handled type 95, but many errors.

Thanks Stephen! This isn't mine. I beleive I saved it off the "Arsenal Stamps" thread. I'll go back and re-check. I'm updating my Stamps Document, with seppa stamping, and this is now the second seppa I have found with a person's name on it (the other one is simply "Sato" in katakana).

I'm posting this in both directions, because I cannot tell which way is up on this one. Thanks for any help!!!

Chris, Nice blade! Lots of personality!

Eric, Are you finding that all Nagamitsu blades are marked with a serial number? Seems like I've seen this discussed on another thread somewhere.

Is that the original polish?

Bob, I am no expert on mei, so everyone please forgive me for trying! BUT, look at the two bottom kanji. You can see obvious differences on HOW they are written. As I am learning, this most likely means that the two were not the same smith. If it's a famous smith, it often means geimei, or a forged signature to enhance the selling price of the blade. I'm not saying this is geimei, though, I don't know near enough to make that call.

Ed, yes please! We collectors are learning as we go, over time. Every update is important! My gut is with Vajo on this - the fittings seem to have bee installed after the wrap. The ashi is not removable, as I understand them, so, it would seem to me that it was put on after the wrap was installed, making it original to the saya. Quite interesting piece!

Ed, I've seen these discussed before. Here's a thread at Wehrmacht-awards where Bob Coleman feels the one in question was wrapped in the Phillipines. If you're a member there, this would be a good one to add to the discussion. If not, I could post the pic for you. http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=327661&highlight=rattan+wrap&page=2 I know I've seen more, but this is the only thread I can find right now. And yes, this one is commonly called the Type 3, '44 model, Contingency model, Rinji model, etc.

Yes, my kudos too, to David! I really have a hard time finding old posts like that! John, you're tsuba with the round holes is interesting. I can't say I've ever seen one that way, other than the one I have, and I've always thought mine was a poor fake. But yours looks quite legit. Mine must be the faker's attempt at copying the style you have there.

Tom, The pictures aren’t close enough to show enough detail of the white paint, but it does have the look of the original color used by the forces that invaded Alaska. Better pictures would be nice.

I suspect the term caught on when Ohmura posted it on his website. To my knowledge, there are no photos showing pilots/sub'ers/tankers carrying waki's, while there are photos of pilots with full-length gunto. It's possible Ohmura-san was speculating when he labeled them as such. Doesn't mean he's wrong, of course, but the community is still awaiting evidence of their use this way. Very nice collection and display Matt!

Bernard and Ray - both fabulous, thanks for sharing!!!

Ok, that fits better! "pilot" or "sub" would still fit the Type 97 Navy fittings. They all look original.

Gorgeous, Matt! Do you have the nakago translated? Also, I'm pretty sure the Navy didn't drive tanks. Do you mean that it's a waki?

Update: 37 Mantetsu blades with dates & serial number (4 more w/o date; 1 w/o katakana) Interesting development: 2 blades from 1938 used Alpha numeric serial numbers. Litterally C30 and N206, not katakana, and numbers are English. Appearantly the katakana and Japanese numbering began in 1939 (unless we discover a '38 blade marked in Japanese). While the sample is still extremely small compared to total production, so far, half the numbers fall in the "A" line of katakana. Yet, it seems all 50 kanji were started simultaneously as they are scattered throughout the years. For example you'll see a NA and a HO - both at far ends of the chart from each other - in '39. One mystery is the SA 520, made in '40 and the SA 459 made in '43 - meaning these blades were not made in sequential order, unless another explanation can be put forth. Only 2 blades have been found, so far, with 4 digit serial numbers: SE 2340 and HI 1155, both made in '44. No blades yet from '37, '38, or '45. Charts attached. Maybe someone who works with numbers and patterns may see something useful. If so, let us know! Mantetsu Serial Numbers.docx

Dang, Steve, you’re right! I couldn’t see that 7 until now. I’m blaming bad lighting! Ha!

If you don't get a translation of the tag here, you could take it over to the "Translation Assistance" forum where that's all they do. http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/forum/15-translation-assistance/ There is at least one organization that specializes in repatriating war flags, but like the guys above, I have read several stories where the receiving family just turned around and sold the flags on ebay. There was a famously covered story of a sword that was returned. So special permissions are obviously possible to return war weapons such as this. Info on Japanese govt effort to return flags and 1000 stich belts: http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/Japanese-militaria/government-Japan-will-now-act-intermediary-case-you-wish-return-war-relics-families-679338/ If she goes through with this effort, she should just be realistic and know that the results are at best 50/50% on how it will be received on the other end.

What’s the second one from the right, Neil? Everything about it looks unusual !