Jefferson

Hello All, I could sure use some help with this one. Thank you. Best regards, Jeff

I resized a photo of the wakizashi to post it. Blade data: Overall length..... 49cm Nagasa................ 37cm Sori (approx)........18mm

Hello Group, I would appreciate some help with this Mei. I have been looking online and in books. The first kanji looks like "HIZEN", the second maybe "KUNI"? Thanks in advance for the time and help. Kind regards,

Thanks Bob. Fred's shop is local. I will stop by this week. Probably give a call first. Best regards, Jeff

Hi All, Being very new to the whole Japanese sword universe, I was wondering if there is a good source for parts besides ebay. Right now I am looking for a Seppa for my type 3 Gunto and a couple Saya components. Thanks for any resources. Kind regards, Jeff

Hi I asked two questions on the translation thread in regards to my gunto. Ray Singer was nice enough to translate the date and maker, keeping the maker hidden as a spoiler because I had mentioned wanting to learn how to translate/read Japanese myself. Pretty cool. Spoiler alert, the signature is Toshimitsu. I have done a little research here and on the web and have come up with two possibilities. 1.) Imaizumi Toshimitsu With a connection to Bizen Osafune 2.) Numazawa Toshimitsu Student of Toshihide I will attach a photo of Toshihide, Toshimitsu is second on the right. Mfr. April 1945 My question is: Would either of these smiths be the signature on the Nakago? Thanks in advance. Best regards, Jeff

Thanks Everyone! I figured like Chris W. that the tsuka-ito was just covering the holes. Today I disproved this theory. Where I expected to find holes, I only found small indentations in the plastic ray skin panels. I will attach photos of these. They seem to be in the proper location for holes. The Fuchi shows age and has a broken latch for it. The Kashira also shows age and has a stipple pattern with a slight border.. Hope the photos help. Please let me know what you think about "no holes". Best regards, Jeff

Thank you Ray Singer, 16K, Rich S. and Bugyotsuji for all the help and information. Moving my next questions to the Military threads. Best regards, Jeff

I received my gunto yesterday via fedex. First lesson learned, buy from a reputable seller or do a detailed visual inspection in person before buying. My first of many questions is how is the tsuka held to the nakago (tang)? I don't see a hole in the tsuka for a mekugi. I did find an arsenal stamp. Thanks in advance for the help. Kind regards, Jeff

Bugyotsuji, My bad. That makes perfect sense. Next time. Kind regards, Jefferson

Thank you all for the translation and information. I have purchased the sword and will have it in my possession in a week. I will try and take the necessary photos to learn and understand the history of this blade. Showato,gendaito, etc. I can't see a seki stamp in the photos I received from the seller. I will know more in a week. Thanks again. Best regards, Jefferson

I am brand new in the study of Japanese swords. I have watched a couple of documentaries on the history and the making of the steel. I find this very intriguing. I would very much appreciate some help with a translation. A date for now. In time I hope to learn to translate myself. Thanks in advance. Great website! Best regards, Jefferson