PNSSHOGUN Posted February 2, 2018 Report Posted February 2, 2018 Is there any conclusive document or knowledge available about this period of Arsenal blades commonly seen in combat versions of Kyu Gunto and other swords of this period? The only information I have found is on Murata-To, but the scope of that process is unknown as they are usually associated with the Kogasa-Maru style blades or signed blades made by General Murata himself. I ask because some of these blades are a step above what we normally see in arsenal blades made during WW2, the one I have could be mistaken for Nihonto until looked at closely. The sword is tempered with etched hamon and NOT a parade style blade. I have seen a few other examples with similar quality and pattern blades so I wonder if other members here have Kyu Gunto with these Arsenal blades and have any further information at hand. One detail I have noted is very similar Horimono on all of these blades. Here's an almost identical blade but clearly handmade with real hamon: http://www.artswords.com/a_nice_katana_mounted_in_Imperial_Japanese_kyu_Gunto_Mounts_042508.htm 1 Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted February 2, 2018 Report Posted February 2, 2018 John, After a brief perusal of Dawson's book, he has a couple of examples, one a Type 8 and the other a court blade, that have serious blades like yours. Both were custom made, but he seemed more focused on the fittings rather than the blade. Fuller & Gregory state: "The blade was down to the owner's choice and may often be of some age, being reused from older samurai swords. Contemporary oil-temered or hand-forged gendaito can also be found but are in the tradtional shinogi-zukuri form." 1 Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted February 4, 2018 Author Report Posted February 4, 2018 Anyone with Murata-To care to share their examples? Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted February 11, 2018 Author Report Posted February 11, 2018 Our old friend Showa22 has one of these blades listed as Murata-To. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Japanese-Meiji-Army-officers-sword-in-Kyugunto-mountings-mon/362236629978?hash=item5456fc53da:g:TjcAAOSwW6xafQRP Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted February 12, 2018 Report Posted February 12, 2018 John, http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8079933&posted=1#post8079933 Check this out: Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.