Nicholas

Do you think this is a surrender tag or more of an inventory or valuation sticker?

Hi all, Can anyone translate this tag on the saya of a wakizashi. It’s a little worn and might be hard to read. Any help is appreciated.

Thank you. Still available.

Still for sale.

Here’s some pictures to clarify. No pitting no chips no damage to the blade

Yes, I realize now that the initial pictures make it look like damage but there is no pitting or damage to the blade. It’s healthy and in good shape.

Sure, just some stains

Im not looking to repatriate the sword. That was not my intention. I just wanted to document some history on the sword and possibly the owner to keep with it. I’m not going any further than some google searches. I wouldn’t reach out to the family.

Volker, You must be mistaken. There is absolutely no pitting on this blade. I can add additional pictures if needed. Best Regards, Nick

Thanks Steve. All my searches on that surname for any historical context came up empty. I can only guess the person associated with that name had something to do with the railroad company.

Yes it is also posted on eBay. Thank you Conway. I may be selling others out of my collection once these few sell.

I am surprised too. Its a good sword by a good smith at a great price.

Thanks for your help. I was hoping it would lead me somewhere but the name Dōtomi Takeo is a dead end.

Trystan, I have read Ohmura and I am aware of what Mantetsu blades are and how many they made. I admit Mantetsu are not my forte when it comes to collecting and I may be learning as I go about them but we can’t say without speculating how many of these presentation swords were made. There is no reference to another one in any books that I’ve seen or from scouring throughout the internet. In my opinion the mei adds provenance which sets it apart from regular Mantetsu blades and for who it was made for maybe the surrender tag will eventually shed some light. Regards, Nick