I need translating help with WWII Sword

[Rene]

I collect Oriental Art and I have a sword brought back from WWII. I would like to translate the Swordsmith's name, maker, origin, and VALUE for insurance purposes.

The engraving on the Handle should be the Swordsmith Name & Place.

There are two smaller images of the hand guard. with more information.

If you need more images please email.

If you can provide any information as to history, addresses, etc. Please return email to

1.The Length of Cutting edge is 26 inches.

2. Is cutting edge is sharp where it enters the brass collar.

3. There are small nicks on the Sugba (I think) point which is not broken.

4. There are no chips, nicks or cracks on blade. Just a couple of scratches.

5. Heat treating is visible and a small nick at approx. 6 ½ inches from point. (Hardly visible but can be felt.)

5. Description of fittings:

A. Metal caps on either end of handle are highly engraver with lots of gold designs, (corn, circles, flowers dots, etc.)

B. Ornaments under lacing has lots of gold trim - looks like leafs. (walrus w/gold mustache??)

C. Color of lacing Dark Greenish-Brown

D. Description of hand guard is a square that has been rounded with Japanese writing on both sides.

E. The handle is made of white pebbly skin.

F. Color and material scabbard is made wood that is leather covered with one hanger and a rectangular piece (approx. ½ inch by 1 ½ inches)missing that might have had or held a name tag.

 

Thank you in advance

Jean R Kraemer

[Stephen]

you might want to post some more pix from what i have seen so far it looks like a repo. sorry

[Rene]

Adding more pic's as requested.

[Nobody]

The characters on the tsuba look like Bonji. But I cannot decipher them.

BTW, the pictures of the tsuba are upside-down.

 

The mei on the nakago could be Sadamitsu (貞光).

But this is only my guess, as I actually cannot read the first kanji.

[Stephen]

with the added shots now i see a ww2 gunto a full shot of the nakago might help.

[Rene]

Thanks for all the info so far. These Blow ups of the MEI is enhanced with talc powder and my eraser in photoshop to bring out the lines and arrowheads pointed to the script.

Thanks

Rene'

[Stephen]

looks better all the time, Koichi could it be Norimitsu?

[Nobody]

Yes Stephen, that could be Norimitsu (則光), I think.

[Rene]

Thank You for the translations, I now have something to work with and will try to date it later this winter when I have more time to devote. I will still check the different boards once a week, as I find a knowledge source I never knew existed.

Many,many thanks

Rene'