Scogg

ホ = HO = 小倉陸軍造兵廠第一製造所 = 1st Factory of Kokura Army Arsenal All the best, -Sam

Here’s a couple that I took. The only mantetsu that I’ve found here

Finally found one for you @Bruce Pennington

Got another one for you @John C At the Vegas arms show

Thanks Bruce. In the text Dawson mentions a different example pictured in his 1996 edition. I wonder if anyone has that version, and would be willing to share a photo? Best of luck Seth, -Sam

About to fly out to Vegas for the sword show, but before I leave I flipped through my copy of Swords of imperial Japan 1868-1945 Cyclopedia Edition by Jim Dawson. The back strap of your sword is reminiscent but not identical to the “Sea plant and waves custom sword” on page 244 and 245.

Really interesting. I believe Conway is onto something. The blade appears to be the precise length of the Type 32 Otsu (rather than the Koh). Both serial numbers align with the with Type 32 Otsu range as well. Maybe some close measurements would confirm or deny. Stamp on the drag may be: ホ = HO = 小倉陸軍造兵廠第一製造所 = 1st Factory of Kokura Army Arsenal Nick Komiya’s thread and photo on warrelics: https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/Japanese-militaria/how-type-32-sword-born-791000/

Hi @ChrisW, Is that last blade the one you got from me a while back? If so, I can confirm it appears to be traditionally made . I also suspect wartime manufacture, but I was a bit on-the-fence about it being possibly slightly older... Best of luck with your sales, -Sam

Unfortunately the other side is not shown. I commented and asked if anything can be seen on that side. Hopefully we get an additional picture

Spotted on facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YzXYi6wt1/?

I wonder if the tip is just sunk into the carpet. These typically sell for between $750 and $1500 depending on condition. Yours looks in decent but not perfect shape. eBay "sold items" will give you some good idea of a fair asking price for your sale listing. Best of luck, -Sam

After consulting my notes: If the blade # did match the scabbard #, it would be the highest serial number brass tsuba that I have personally observed with the Sakura Ichi stamp; but it’s right at that transition in my records, so who knows . I’ve been trying to make out that scabbard stamp. Maybe one of these? 社 , 社 = SHA 各民間工場 Each civilian/private factory or 江 = e = Matsue Supervisory Unit of Kokura Army Arsenal. (Not sure I’ve ever seen this one) or 仁 = Jin = Incheon army arsenal inspection I’m sure Bruce or Kiipu will be along, who might be able to recognize it. -Sam

Everything looks good to me. Looks like a nice sword. Unfortunate that the serial number has been buffed away. It has the right stamps on the ferrule to theoretically match the scabbard #. But it’s also possible it was buffed intentionally because it didn’t match. Unfortunately we’ll never know, and that may hurt the value a little bit. All the best, -Sam

Maybe the horse who modeled for the artist was just really tired I’ve always found the cavalry stuff particularly cool. Thank you for sharing. Is the backside of page one the tack and saddle diagram?