Translation Please

[Leo Dugdale]

I’m new to the forum. My father was a WWII vet, brought back three swords. Wondered about the translation on the hilt. The blade was stored in a bamboo scabbard.

[Ed]

Kanemasa

[Jean]

WWII blade, Seki stamp. Factory blade

[Grey Doffin]

Noshu no Ju Tsukako Kanemasa Kin Saku (Resident of Noshu, Tsukako Kanemasa Respectfully Made).

Grey

[Leo Dugdale]

Thank you for your response. Would this blade be hand forged? I take it that as a factory blade it would be a more common item. Could you recommend how to get it restored and would it be worth spending a few hundred to do so? It has more of a sentimental value to me. I take it that it was probably a fairly common sword issued by the military to a lower officer. I also have a NCO sword, metal handle, but it has quite a few nicks and I am assuming this one would be slightly more valuable.

[Ed]

Seki stamp above the signature = non-traditionally made.  Do you have a photo of the bamboo scabbard?

[ROKUJURO]

Leo,

welcome to the forum!

As Jean and Ed pointed out already, your blade seems to be factory made with non-traditional methods. It is considered a militaria item, not NIHONTO. The sales value on todays market may be a quarter or a third of the cost of a traditional polish, so unless the money would not hurt you, there is not much sense in restoring. The problem is also that you could not even send it to Japan; it would be confiscated as a weapon. On the other hand, there are not many options for a competent restoration elsewhere. Please dön't bring it to the scissors grinder on the street!

My suggestion is to keep the blade as a memory item as is, prevent it from moisture and give it a regular very thin (!) oiling so that no oil gets into contact with the sheath. Read here on the forum about care and etquette of swords.  

[Leo Dugdale]

Picture of the scabbard

[Grey Doffin]

The scabbard isn't bamboo (none ever were), rather wood that someone has painted red.  Here is a care & etiquette website for you to read:

http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

Grey

[SteveM]

I think 濃州住栗木兼正勤作　Nōshū-jū Kuriki Kanemasa kinsaku.

 

The same smith, incidentally, that was on a sword posted to this site about a week ago, from the guy who was looking for a free advice, and then complained when he didn't like what he heard. 

[Leo Dugdale]

I thank you all so much for educating me about these swords. It is much appreciated.