David Flynn

found it.

Only 2016

Any updates on the dates?

It appears that these swords are from various areas. Yoshiharu, Tokyo. Kojima Kanenori, Seki. Also, there are two different Yoshiharu. Which one has the W stamp?

Happy to have contributed.

An interesting observation about Koa Isshin blades, some have Mokume hada, some Itame hada and some Nashiji hada. If supposedly they are are all made the same way, Then why the differences? I cannot comment on plain Mantetsu blades, as I have only seen a couple and they were badly out of polish.

Trouble with having a Koa Isshin polished is, not many professional polishers will touch them.

There are a lot of Put Togethers, out there. Personally, that doesn't bother me too much, as long as it's good quality. I'm principly a Gendai to collector and I don't own a Showa to or NCO sword. I just don't bother with them. However it is certainly nice to have a sword in it's original and complete Koshirae. But to me, the blade is the most important thing.

Yep. Nice to hear a Canadian speaking Oz.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Manchurian-Koa-Isshin-Mantetsu-Japanese-Imperial-Army-Shingunto-Sword-1941-/162377294864?hash=item25ce70e410:g:jakAAOSwnHZYj6VZ Looks Ridgey dige.

Link please.

My vote would be post war.

Bruce, many people with " Sentimental Swords", often realise that the costs of restoration outway sentimentality. It is often more prudent, to just keep the sword from deteriating further and to spend the restoration costs on a better blade. Usually, the sentiment runs only with the current generation. I used to think average polishers were good. That was until my collecting improved with knowledge. Once one has seen professional polishes, compared to average polishes, it's like chalk and cheese. I understand sometimes it's a cost factor, however, an average polish will be picked by and experienced collector. This also comes down to selling and buying. Swords with professional polish, will sell for more than a comparable sword with an average polish. Unless one only wants a " clean blade."

David Hofhine is not a Japanese trained polisher. From my understanding though, he charges the same as a Japanese trained polisher. http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/18806-sword-polishing/?hl=%2Bdavid+%2Bhofhine

To me, if the total value of the sword remains, ie. initial cost, with the polish then added, why not. If however, the cost of the sword, plus the cost of the polish ( shirasaya, maybe new habaki, origami etc) comes in a lot higher than what one may buy the equivalent, then the only real factor for having this done, is sentiment.Bruce, we only have one Japanese trained Togishi in Oz, Andrew Ickeringill and I'm led to believe he would not touch a Koa isshin Also you have a few non professionally trained polishers who will do this service. What you forgot to mention is that that 2k for the polish, is for the polish only. If you don't remove the wooden liners and clean them properly ( or have new ones made), or have a shira saya made you will scratch the polish. Also, the 4k mentioned is in Merica dollars, Australia would be about 5k. But this does include the Shira saya, Habaki and Origami. Sentiment can be expensive.

I think this may be the Seki Hiromitsu.

Ueno is a must, first you have Ueno Koen, which is also home to the National Museum and the Zoo. Also in Ueno is probably the best shopping area in Tokyo, Ameya Yokocho. For a night out, try Golden Gai Shinuku.

Bruce, I suggest you go through the sticky, Arsenal Stamps. Also, there are many different types of blades fitted to Gunto, both Army and Navy.

Bruce, I'm a little confused on exactly what you mean? However, how about the Na stamp ( Nagoya arsenal) stamps found on various swords. Also, The Osaka arsenal stamp, seen on Nagamitsu and Gassan blades.

Bruce, do you mean all Shingunto, or showato?

My belief, is that of the cost of polishing is driving the price down (esp Gendai). The observation by Joe on the discrepancy of the cost of Gendaito from yesteryear to today is spot on. Allow me to give an example. A Munetoshi gendaIto in good General condition, would go for 3-3.5k. Now the same sword would be lucky to pull 2.5. Now lets take the sword at 2.5k add the cost of polish, shirasaya and papers. One is now looking at about 4k. Add that to the 2.5, you now have a sword that has cost you 6.5k. Who would by a polished Munetoshi for 6.5k? Not many when it's actual worth, would be more like 5k. And so my friends, there is the rub.

John, my humble opionion, unfortunately concurs with above. I would consider this an above average showa to. As to prejudace against Seki swords, well I am not. I own five Seki Gendai blades ( Jumyo, Kanenobu, Kaneshige, Kanetoki and Kanetsune). I personally believe that good Seki Gendai will match with any others. There is another telling factor in your sword, the lack of Jihada. Although many wartime polishes will not bring this out, I have spoken to a very talented Japanese trained polisher, who (Hon'ami School) was taught to bring Jihada out on blades. In fact most Muji is very tight Itame and hard to discern unless brought out by the pollisher. Saying that, I believe your Jihada to be homogenous also indicative of a showato.

I was just asking if it was a showato because, I have never seen an alloy (not counting brass or bronze) on Gendaito.

Not the owner, the maker.

Shamsy, is the blade a showa to?