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Simon K., Appreciate the heads up on that one. The last photo of the link you sent is not looking good at all. Cheers, Darren

Hello, I was just looking for a second pair of eyes in translating this Mei. I have translated Ota Chikahide (gendaito signed) but I'm not 100% sure I'm correct or if there is a more to be translated (or the exact full translation of the kanji). Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Darren

I found some additional information on Seki Smith - Kiyomiya. 清宮 (Kiyomiya) 野口 徹 Sword smith named 清宮 - Kiyomiya who was a sword smith working in Seki. Kiyomiya Noguchi (real name: Toru Noguchi) working in Seki about 1935 During WWII, more than 200 swordsmiths worked only at Seki province to supply qualified swords for their soldiers. Their names began to appear in Seki Tanrensho Booklet printed in 1939. Several smiths worked as Rikugun Jumei Tosho (e.g. Nakata Kanehide) and produced both good and poor blades together. However, most of these seki smiths produced low grade Showato and should not be regarded as a Gendaito.

I just ordered the The Samurai Sword: A Handbook, by Yumoto, John M. Got it used for $4,51 with free shipping. and ordered the MILITARY SWORDS OF Japan 1868-1945 by Richard Fuller and Ron Gregory used for $15.00 Thanks, Darren

Thanks to both of you -That helps. Darren

I have been trying to find examples of the proper way to tie or display the tassel on a type 98 Shin Gunto. Here is how mine is tied\displayed. Is this how the Japanese soldier tied the tassel in the field or was there a specified tassel tying protocol for field use? Sorry, I'm a newbie here, and have to apologize, since this post is referring to a Type 98 Shin Gunto I I think the better place for this post is in the Related Topics section under the "Military Swords of Japan" (sorry I didn't see this section prior to posting here). An admin will have to move it on my behalf. Thanks, Darren

Thanks to everyone for your assistance! Great Message Board!

Yes, the Kiyomiya kanji is it. I was struggling with the 2nd kanji character. This now makes more sense as to the time period. I have found this info (hope i'm on the right track): Sword smith named 清宮 - Kiyomiya who was a sword smith working in Seki. Kiyomiya Noguchi (real name: Toru Noguchi) working in Seki about 1935. The 2 attached screen captures are from the Index of Japanese Swordsmiths A-M - Page 229 Does anyone know what the painted kanji is on the tang? I was told it is numbers. if so can they be translated? Is it assembly, stock, inventory numbers? -Thanks.

Hello, My name is Darren and I'm new to this board. I'm interested in finding out more information about this sword (not to sell but just to learn). Hoping someone can translate the mei and any other pertinant info regarding the sword. I was told there is a date of November 1943 and a name of Kiyomaro. I'm under the impression this is not the famous swordsmith Kiyomaro's real signature due of the date of 1943. Did a swordsmith guild or understudy use Kiyomaro's signature after his suicide? Or is it a case of another swordsmith named Kiyomaro who lived during the time of WW2? If it is a forged signature would this have been done back in the time period of 1943 or post war? Any help is greatly appreciated. ~Thanks