Fusilier

G'day, I've asked in the translation section if anyone can assist me in determining the provenance of a mumei gunto I acquired as part of a collection of 3 swords. A link to that thread is here; The patina and profile of the Nakago made me think it might not be a shin gunto. I thought that perhaps it might be older or something else. I haven't re-posted the pictures from the other thread here but I can take additional ones if that would be of help. I'd be hugely grateful for any insights anyone may have? Cheers David

Thanks Bruce, I think you're right, they appear to be forging flaws to me, certainly inconsistencies in the composition of the steel.

Pictures of the blade tip

Cheers Bruce, Answering your questions in reverse order; the sword with the 'sho' stamp is the one I've called No.2 here and that Jan has attributed to 氏房 Ujifusa. In the photographs at the top of the second post in this thread, where I've photographed the three swords together, its the longest of the three and at the top of the first two images in that post. As for photo's of the Mumei sword here are some pictures of the mid section, I'll get some pics of the tip when my two year olds birthday party is done. Anyone who wants to experience real chaos just needs to spend a few minutes in my house this morning !! All the best David

Thanks you very much Jan, most grateful for that.

Last but not least, the Nakago of the 3rd Sword with the 'Seki' Stamp.

This is the Nakago of the 2nd Sword, with the 'Sho' Stamp. Any translation assistance would be most gratefully received.

As mentioned, I've now photographed all three swords and pictures are attached below. I'd still be interested if anyone has an opinion on the age of the first sword , pictures of which are in the first post above. The other two swords, both appear to be Showa era Shin Gunto and both display stamps, one a 'seki' stamp and the other a 'sho' stamp. I'd be very grateful for any assistance translating the inscriptions and identifying the smiths. First off then, pictures of the 3 swords:

G'day All, I've just purchased a collection of 3 swords, acquired in WW2, for re-sale and while I'll share pictures of all three when the kids give me more than 5 mins to photograph them, one of them has sparked my curiosity. It's mumei and the condition and profile of the Nakago made me think it might not be a shin gunto. Is it older or something else? Grateful for any insights. I'll get pictures of the other two this weekend. Cheers David

Thank you

Thank you Moriyama San, would that be the soldiers name do you think?

G'day, I know that this isn't a Gunto but I was wondering if anyone could help me translate the mei on the lining of this Type 90 Service Dress Cap. I assume its a name, although I'm unsure of whether its the maker or the owner. Any information would be gratefully received, images attached. Cheers David

G'day, I recently purchased this gunto for resale. When I first saw it I thought the hamon was unusual and the blade was distinct from many I've seen in that appeared a bit more 'refined' if that is the right word. I was wondering whether its possible to determine the quality of the blade just by looking at images of the blade and the hamon or whether that is only possible if you can physically examine the sword. I've checked to see if there are any of the 'seki' like stamps often found on showa-to blades, that Bruce's outstanding online article covers, and I can't see any. I'd also appreciate a translation of the mei and any information anyone may have on the smith. Cheers David

Cheers Peter, I know what you mean, when I first saw it, it wasn't like any I'd seen before. The patination appears consistent across the nakago so I'd assess it was produced like that. As you say, just odd.

Out of curiosity Bruce, what was the defining factor in determining the length of the nakago. Hand size, blade balance, or was it just a random thing?