Conway S

It’s signed Inaba - 伊奈波. Quite a few references within the site if you search the term. This signature may refer to a sword forge or a smith. Conway

Hi Steve, Looks like it could be a surname - 黒田 - Kuroda. Conway

Hi Sam, To add to what Ed posted, I would agree it looks like a Sam Browne belt. Keep in mind the Japanese rolled through British colonial holdings and repurposed their equipment. I have a British-made pith helmet over-stamped with Japanese inspection marks. So it’s possible the Japanese did use your belt. Conway

Maybe it's just the picture quality, but the habaki looks silvery as opposed to brass. 108,XXX serial number should be Suya. Conway

I believe that’s a Type 98 saya. The screw hole for the ishizuki is visible in the picture. Conway

Hi Anthony, See the attached thread below. This sword may not be of Japanese origin. It’s possible it falls in the category of “island sword.” It could also be post-war Chinese fake too. If you are looking for a genuine WW2 Japanese sword, I would save your money. Conway

The link Bruce included in his post explains the meaning on the text on the drag. Do you have any additional photos of the blade itself? Maybe some better close ups? Conway

Anthony, I believe the signature is Yoshikuni, and the first two characters (top-bottom) might be E-Saka. 江坂義國. The sword looks to be of wartime manufacture. It’s in nice shape overall with higher quality fittings. Conway

John, Nice find! I linked a useful bit of information on Kobe in another thread below. I believe there should not be any other subcontractors mixed in once the Kobe range starts. I think the “K” marked Kobe swords in this range are unique because production with this fuchi stamp was so brief. However, if you factor in that there is a belief that Ichi “一” and Kobe may be the same subcontractor, then I guess Kobe/Ichi production is not so short. “一” marked swords appear in many serial number ranges. Also note that your sword has the brass tsuba whereas these Kobe swords are commonly found with the black iron tsuba. I have one similar to your example in the linked thread. Conway

Steve, You know, there is a search function on the forum where you could easily type in “Jumyo” and find many results. From the pictures this looks like non-traditionally made from Showa Period. If it was a steal, it probably wouldn’t still be on eBay days later… Conway

Thank you again, Moriyama san. Conway

Greetings, I having trouble identifying the second character in the surname. There are a few characters I think it could be with a 土 radical on the top. My best guess was 吉, but that is probably way off. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you! Conway

Thank you Moriyama san. I appreciate your assistance! Conway

Here's an Iijima fake. It looks like one of the Polish copies: https://www.ebay.com/itm/235987551164 I did message the seller and I think they pulled the listing because it says "ended" as opposed to "sold."

Greetings, I am struggling greatly with this one. Any help is appreciated. Thanks! Conway

Hi John, What's the context of the photos? Are they on a nakago? Conway

If you have Dawson’s Cyclopedia or the Plimpton Collection book, you will also find there are some hybrid swords out there with Army backs straps, but police style guards. Both Dawson and Plimpton group these as Police swords. Here is an example of an Army cavalry sword with a release button. Conway Japanese WWII Army Sword Cavalry -Old/Antique Samurai -as early as Russo War era

Yes. Type 19 parade swords with locking mechanisms are commonly found on police swords. These also usually have a plated blade with acid-etched hamon and a habaki. This configuration is less often encountered on Army swords. If you were asking about Type 19 Kyu Gunto with fighting blades (Zohei-to, Murata-to, or traditionally made blades) these almost always have a locking mechanism. Conway

It’s for sale now, I just stumbled across it. Based on the seller’s description it is an Otsu. Conway

There is another example in this post: I have seen 検 on the scabbard drag before. Like I said, this over-sized stamp just stuck out because the normal inspection stamps on the ricasso are normally very small. Conway

I think Type 95s just appeal to people who want a “Japanese sword” for their collection and the aluminum, copper, or wood handles make them unique in these collectors’ minds. I really like Type 95s, but I am not someone who pays $1000 plus for one. I have found deals on nice condition ones by being patient. It’s why I don’t have a copper one yet. I think they are way over-priced. I would much rather buy a gendaito for those prices. Conway

I came across a stamp that resembles 壽 "su" on the ricasso of a Type 32. It's larger than most inspector's stamps occasionally encountered on Type 32 blades and reminiscent of those found on Type 25s. I am curious if this is just an inspector's mark or if it may indicate Suya Shoten made Type 32s. I have not read anything about Suya's involvement with Type 32s. Thanks! @Kiipu @BANGBANGSAN @Bruce Pennington Conway

Just be mindful the blade looks like it has some staining or scuffing. The price isn’t too bad. Might not be there if you wait for more pictures in this picture. Conway

Yes, your's is a field grade sword. Mine also has a double Suya stamp. I am unsure what it denotes because I have seen this on swords from other shops as well. The stamps below are on a field grade sword. Conway

I am glad you were able to get it, Sam! The field grade and general officer back straps are identical. The only difference is the grip material. I think Dawson just simplified the back strap in his diagram. It's possible your sword never had any markings on the ricasso or they may have rubbed off. Sometimes they were very faintly applied. For example, the marking on the E & F Hörster below is lightly engraved and almost gone compared to this Clemen & Jung. Conway