Translation/ Identification Assistance Please

[troy handles]

Hi everyone, first time poster to site.

I have inherited what I believe to be a Showa era? Japanese Naval non numbered officers sword.

From the Kanji I am told that it is a mix of Japanese and Chinese Kanji with loose translation of
- Made by Hattori Masahiro from Noshu prefecture in Japan. (Apparently very hard to understand).

 

Just trying to establish what else may be in the kanji, the year of manufacture etc. Want to know if it is a family sword and anything else

that anyone can assist me with as, despite my research, I know little and any help is appreciated.

 

Attached are some photo's.

[PNSSHOGUN]

You have a Army Shin Gunto with combat style mounts which are a little cruder than other Gunto mounts of the era. There would've have been a leather strap that clipped onto the leather covering to keep the blade secure.

 

Bigger photos will be easier for everyone involved, Troy.

[SteveM]

Hello Troy

 

濃州関住服部正廣作

Nōshū Seki-jū Hattori Masahiro saku

 

They are all Japanese characters - I mean, there isn't a mix of Chinese and Japanese characters. Hattori Masahiro is a well-known swordsmith. And the other words are all fairly common, often found on WW2 swords. Seki is a famous sword-producing area of the province formerly known as Nōshū (aka Minō). 

The choppy engraving of WW2 swords can be tough to read. If you show that to someone, even a Japanese person, who isn't familiar with swords or sword inscriptions, they would struggle with it. If you search for Hattori Masahiro you will find similar inscriptions. There is no year included in the inscriptions of the pictures you posted. 

[troy handles]

Many thanks to you both Steve and John, greatly appreciated. Any idea of approximate value for insurance? Troy.

[SteveM]

$1000-$2000

 

Maybe yours is worth more, but without a good look (i.e. bigger, better photos) this is as good a guess as any. 

 

Bear in mind I'm not a militaria guy... This is just my gut feeling seeing these things crop up on this site from time to time.

They seem to be getting more popular, and now even average WW2 swords are going for around $1000. 

 

Maybe somebody who knows what they are talking about can add a bit more.