Edward G

Bruce, no longer have this sword, but memory tells me yes it had a showa stamp. See photo in upper right side. Thanks

Thank You Piers D., this information is quite helpful in my quest for knowledge on this particular Matchlock. Edward G

Thank you Moiyama, you are a life saver. and thank you Chris W. for your kind comment. Edward G

A new acquisiton, of a matchlock which is signed under the barrel, and on the inside of the stock. Please help with a translation of this item. Some unusual canji, It is plain, but in good shape. I apologize for the inside photos of the stock, but this is the best pictures that can be taken Thanks again Edward G

Many Thanks to Moriyama..... Edward G.

Good morning to all. Need some help with a translation. This one I am at a total loss trying to get on my own. Thanks in advance. Edward G

Thank You Grey and Moriyama. As always you two have been a great help to me. Edward G

Good evening all; I have been able to translate all of the Mei except one character and need help with it. The Mei reads " Seki Nobu Mitsu XXX Saku. What is the fourth character down from the top? Thanking all in advance Edward G

Thanks to Jussi Ekholm, and Koichi Moriyama. Once again the Nihonto Msg Board has helped me understand something which I could not. Edward G

Good Morning: Please help with a translation from inside a ww2 Pistol Holster. Many Thanks Edward G.

I have had this plus another Okimono for a few years. This is my favorite because of the subject matter, and consider myself lucky to have found this one. I do not have a translation of the signature and would request assistance on this any other thoughts or any opinions as to age and value. I am thinking it is Meji Period but I am not sure. Note the prominent mon on the back of the figure, and others scattered on his attire. The figure is quite heavy weighing in at about 1 lb 8 oz. see pictures attached. Edward G

Is it possible that the Arabic numbers on the nakago for these swords were added later by an armorer in service to indicate Military Regimental Markings? During this period of time it was common in European countries to add regimental markings on armaments such as bayonets, rifles, pistols etc. This practice continued through WW1 up until WW2 in many European countries such as England and Germany. Edward G.

Thank you Steve M, Yasaka Azuma, and Stephen for your comments. I appreciate the opinions. Hopefully I will be able to narrow it down sometime into the future by showing it in person to some knowledgeable folks at one of the Sword Shows when they start having them again. Thanks all Edward G

Hello all. I welcome any/all opinions on this new acquisition. I need help in trying to determine which KatsuMitsu is this one, and from what time period? I have attached many pictures. The sword is mounted in excellent condition early Shin Gunto type 94 mounts, in original matching condition. All seppas, tsuba, and even under the fuchi on the tsuka have matching numbers, appears to even have original Mekugi from WW 2. Obtained with 3 other Japanese Swords from a veterans estate, and it has never been on the market previously. This sword bears a two character signature KasuMitsu signed TachiMei. Currently the cutting edge measures about 27 ½ inches, with a current sori of between 5/8 to 3/4 inches. There are 4 or 5 Mekugi-Ana, it is a classic O’Suirage, at one time the cutting edge would probably have been estimated to be 31-32 inches. The thick tang and narrow sword indicates that it received few polishes over time. Currently the sword is out of polish now and it is hard to capture the hamon & hada. Any thoughts about this old soldier is appreciated. Edward G.

This has been a very interesting thread to read. I am the person who posted earlier in the translation request section and own the Kyu Gunto dress sword. Mine has a date and a signature as indicated below from the translation section. It is a new acquisition within the last few days. Shōjū Kanemasa 小銃兼正 明治廿三年三月 = March 1890 [1890-03] However, mine has no arsenal stamp of Kokura ( three cannon balls) as in Jim's sword above. The blade does have a sharpen cutting edge. On the nakago it has stamped Arabic numbers, of which has been a brief discussion above. I am curious as to the meaning for these numbers. Any other thoughts and opinions are very welcomed. So now I am wondering just how rare are the Murata Swords which bear his signature and are dated? After some minor clean up it appears to be in incredibly good condition. Any opinions as to value is also appreciated. Thank everyone all in advance Edward G.