Information required on a sword that’s been handed down the generations

[Charlie123]

WW 2 sword??

[TETSUGENDO]

?????????????????  Sorry, my crystal ball is out for repair!

 

-S-

[Charlie123]

Sorry I have photos but as I’m new to this site I’m struggling to work out how I can attach photos!!!!

[Charlie123]

Sorry I have photos but as I’m new to this site I’m struggling to work out how I can attach photos!!!!

[Charlie123]

Ok worked out how to add picture any info would be great thanks

[ROKUJURO]

Charlie 123,

welcome to the NMB!

Please sign all posts with your first name plus an initial so we can address you properly. You can add your signature to your profile.

The MEI (signature) of your sword seems to read SEKI no JU ISHIHARA KANENAO. The TSUKA (handle) looks to me like a replacement with one of a cheap decoration KATANA. Please compare: http://www.aoijapan.com/img/sword/2014/14764-1.jpg

[Peter Bleed]

And you dog needs combing

P

[Ken-Hawaii]

Welcome, Charlotte. It's hard to tell very much about your blade in its current condition. The first thing to look at is the sugata (overall shape) to determine its age, but as you didn't include a full-length photo of the bare blade, we can't say much. Both the jihada (steel surface) & hamon (temper pattern) are not easily distinguishable, although the hadori (overlay polish of the hamon) looks to have some midare. The mei (signature) is the last thing to be looked at, as many blades are gimei (forged signature). Sorry I can't help any more.

[Grey Doffin]

According to Fuller & Gregory, this smith was active during WWII.  If there is a small stamp above the signature in the tang, there would be no doubt.  This most likely is a non-traditionally made (made of tool steel by a partially trained at best smith during the war) sword; not earlier.

Here is a link to a care & etiquette brochure that will tell you how to preserve the sword: http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

Grey

[Surfson]

i agree with Grey, clearly an arsenal sword and probably machine made. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Charlotte,

 

I would love to hear the story of the family member that brought this home and how he came to own this.

 

The fittings are standard for a blade that was either donated to the war effort by a family, or bought off the civil market by the government. There was quite a shortage of swords during the war and the government made quite a push to get privately owned swords to fill the gap. Once obtained, they would put a wooden saya (scabbard) covered in leather, like yours, and military handguards and spacers (tsuba & seppa). The handle is usually civilian, but will often have the army or navy emblem (menugi) tucked into the weave, like yours. Some were hastily put together, and may explain the look/quality of your handle.

 

It is possible the blade was made during the war, but the fittings show it came from the civil market/family. Terms are confusing in this hobby, but "machine made" is a bit of a misnomer, as all officer swords were made by people. Yours COULD be non-traditionally made, but that simply means it was oil-tempered, rather than water, and other aspects. Yours is a true weapon, not a "parade" sword for show.

 

If you can get clear close-ups of the temper line we might be able to make a better guess as to how it was made. Are there any writing on the other side? That is where the date ususally is, but they didn't always put one.