Mark

Matt so that would be about 1330. I can see what you noted, I had seen that before. I thought Gentoku but that did not seem reasonable, so I thought maybe the kanji was larger and I was just seeing the top. If it says Gentoku then the hole was there or the kanji written knowing the hole would be there, meaning the original hole. That may be the case, but I had thought it may have been added later and obscured part of the mei. So if it says Gentoku probably gimei. Any other thoughts appreciated

I read Katsumasa Showa 20 3rd month march 1945

I have a shinogizukuri wakizashi. The mei is a bit faint. I can read BiShu Osafune JU Kagemitsu. I am having trouble with the first kanji of the date as there is a hole through it. I think I read ???toku 2nd year. If shoshin it should be dated when a shinogizukuri wakizashi could be made. Or it could just be gimei. If I can figure out the first kanji then maybe I can research further. The top of the kanji can be seen above the hole so I thought maybe someone can read it from that. Any help appreciated. If we figure out the date comments about the sword or validity of the mei are welcome. Thanks

I am not comfortable telling someone else what to buy. I think it best to buy something at a level you know and then move up slowly as you learn and can evaluate the sword yourself

Both of the NTHK groups usually put the important info in English on the points worksheet. If they are NTHK(Yoshikawa) papers you can ask Tom Helm I have found him very helpful, same said for Chris Bowen of the NTHK-NPO. If they are NBTHK ask the agent who handled the submission, I have always found them willing to assist.

not bad for what it is. If you were and army officer in 1944 it would have been appropriate, if you collect WWII military swords it would fit in your collection. If you are looking for an antique handmade sword it is not that

made Novemebr 1943 by Yoshinao. No history, it is a blade made in a factory for use by an army (probably) officer. these are not traditionally made, they are military weapons made for WWII

Chicago is April 29, 30 May 1, 2016......... for details check www.chicagoswordshow.com there will be a lot of knowledgeable people there, very educational. any questions email me thanks

Thanks Morita-san and John!!!! I will have to look it up, not sure it is written that well.

I see ??? Tomo? ???? Kao or kanji......... does not make sense to me, 3 kanji and a kao or 4 kanji? Any help appreciated. Thanks!!!!!!!

I have seen several Ko-Mihara swords and owned one. I agree most will have utsuri "like a thin cloud" sometimes "hard to distinguish the shape" "fuzzy whitish utsuri" you will see utsuri that looks like a thin mist, appearing more prominently in spots and fainter in others, not a defined LINE of utsuri like Bizen but a more diffused splotchy type without a sharp line where it begins and ends

I have seen a lot of NCO swords. I am quite sure it is a fake, sorry

Minamoto Nobuyoshi

they did not use torokusho in Showa 4 (1929). The printing is stamped over so difficult, but I go with Peter, 7th month 18th or 28th day Showa 34 1959

picture would help

I agree, fittings are nice. Best to preserve it. Spend what you are comfortable to get it restored and enjoy it.

the mei style seems like those that the SS Koza volume explain were made circa 1930, some were made by good smiths. That is just my opinion based on what I see

Xander, You mentioned ". I plan on doing some research before making my next purchase, and its my birthday at the start of next month, so might be able to con the family into buying me some literiture to have a read through." You should check out Grey's website http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/ he has a lot of books on tsuba. Grey is known to the members of the NMB and has a great reputation. If someone is looking to get you a gift that is the place to go.

Hojoji (kunimitsu)

I have no problem with newbies asking simple questions, we all start somewhere and if they really want to learn i want to encourage them. I find it frustrating when we are "used" by people just coming by to 1. get free information to use it for commercial gain, or 2. people who misrepresent what/why they are asking, and 3. those who use us as a free translation service with no effort expended themselves. It would be considerate, or people would show good manners if: 1. Let us know up front why you want the info and what you are using it for. If it will be for sale let us know up front and maybe offer it to the board. 2. Be honest and up front, just seems the right thing to do 3. I ask for help with translations plenty of times, and i am happy to help where i can. But at least give it a try and let us know where you are confused. At times i try and help and give clear hints and lead the person to where they can at least get some info and come back, that way they learn. And if you ask us to do something lengthy offer a small donation to the board, it shows you value what you are getting. I try to support the board with comments and what little knowledge i have and send a donation from time to time and will continue, but i see Peters point, in the past it seemed there was more discussion back and forth, more learning, now it seems there is more "just give me what i want now". Maybe that is a reflection of the times what with texting and social media vs. the old ways of talking and meeting etc.

from the pictures i think $3-500

could it be Tsunehiro? I do not think it matters much, the sword does not appear traditionally made, it is a military "gunto" sword. A genuine example of a WWII sword but not something handmade by a well known, trained, swordsmith.

check out Danny's site it is very helpful with a lot of what you want http://www.nihontocraft.com/japanese_sword_papers.html#japanese_sword_4 (go toward the bottom) after getting some of the basics let us know what else you need (like attribution) you will learn a lot working through it

Steve I live near Toledo OH. If you are ever coming this way let me know, I would be happy to spend some time with you and help you understand the sword

weird http://www.ebay.com/itm/L-Waki-Fujiwara-Ikutoshi-Saya-Almost-Katana-size-NBTHK-Hozon-paper-59-9cm-/252065710904?hash=item3ab0498338&nma=true&si=2w0D%252FmW%252FAKi9twiZ2O3xJMhrjhE%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557