rebcannonshooter

Hi Neil, Ho Shu Takada (no) Ju Fujiwara Yuki Naga, I'm assuming a Bungo smith from the signature, for a place to start researching. Good luck, Tom M.

Hi Dwain, Here's an option for you. I picked up this tsuka in Japan a couple of years ago. I was fascinated by the "imitation" same. It's actually a piece of thin copper that was punched from the back side to give it the same effect. This one, as you can see, was painted a gold color, but I'm certain black would work equally well. I not certain the age of the tsuka, but all the fittings appear to be late Edo, and good quality. I'm not sure how common this was, but its the only one I've ever seen! Best of luck, Tom M.

Hi Bruce, I have a kaigunto that I've always wondered about. It is a very nice sword with sharkskin saya, and a signed seki stamped sword. The problem is that the saya has army fittings. I always thought that some GI swapped the Navy fittings for Army ones. But.... if so they did a very good job, as the fittings are tight and well done. Not the usual GI cobble job. I don't know if this is a Navy sword set up for land use or what?????? Tom M.

Good Morning Bruce, Just FYI there's an odd 1939 Koa isshin for sale on Ebay. The nakago is squared off and it has two mekugi ana ?? The ebay number is 323558019109. Good luck on your Mantetsu research, Tom Maurer

Hi Bruce, My friend brought his Koa Isshin over today. It is dated Spring 1940, and the mune on the nakago has the character "Ri" and the numbers 560. The other thing I was curious about is that the mune on his nakago is rounded while my Fall 1939 is flat. Is there some significance to the nakago shape that you know of ????? Good luck with your study, Tom Maurer (rebcannonshooter)

Hi Bruce, I have a Koa Isshin dated Fall 1939. The back of the nakago has the character "ni" then then a space and the Japanese numbers "190" Hope this helps your research, Tom Maurer (rebcannonshooter)

Hello Robert S., I haven't seen the sword yet! My friend has contacted Jimmy Hayashi to do the polish. He is on the list, but it will be a while before Mr. Hayashi can get to it. I can't wait to see the finished and post some photos!

Hello Surfson, Actually my friend bought it !

Thanks for your help Guido, These kanji were at the bottom of the saya and I guess I just assumed (????) that they were the name of the appraiser who wrote the saya gaki. Thank you again for your quick response and expertise! Tom M.

Greetings all, I translated most of the sayagaki but the name of the person who made the attribution is too much for me. Please help!!!!! Thanks,Tom M.