Showato signature or gendaito?

[jason_mazzy]

No stamps, no arsenal marks.... made me lean towards gendaito:

 

 

in gunto mounts for cheap so if its gendaito I'll jump.

[cabowen]

Determination of traditionally made versus non-traditionally made requires more than a signature when it comes to Seki smiths.　Sato Kanezumi 佐藤兼住

[jason_mazzy]

i had hoped you would weigh in as you are the king of this era. was this smith known for gendaito at all?

[jason_mazzy]

looks like he is known for gendaito:

 

Rikugun Jumei Tosho Swordsmiths Known From Literature Sources

In addition to the above known star stamped blades by the listed swordsmiths, the following swordsmiths are listed in either the Nihonto Meikan, Tosho Zenshu or John Slough's An Oshigata Book of Modern Japanese Swordsmiths 1868-1945. This list was compiled thanks to the research of Jinsoo Kim. There are undoubtedly some duplications with the above list as some smiths did not sign their family names or may have signed with more than one mei.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/gendai2.htm

[cabowen]

i had hoped you would weigh in as you are the king of this era. was this smith known for gendaito at all?

 

Smiths from Seki often made both types of blades. If he was a RJT, without a star stamp, there is a possibility it is traditionally made, but odds are probably on the slim side. In any case, pictures would be a first step....

[David Flynn]

I would have to go along with Chris. Photos of the whole blade needed.