Translation Help Request

[Interested]

I would be very grateful if someone is able to help me translate the markings on the tang of my sword - I inherited it from my grandfather who was a British tank commander in Burma during WW2 and brought it back with him. I'd love to know more about where the sword came from and it's history. Thank you in advance for any help.

 

Regards,

 

Doug

[ROKUJURO]

Doug, 

welcome to the NMB!

I read the signature of your sword as NOSHU SEKI no JU KANENAO SAKU, which means KANENAO of SEKI province made this. The SAKURA (cherry blossom) arsenal stamp is a hint to a likely non-traditionally (= factory) made blade. The other side of the NAKAGO (tang) will probably show a WWII date.

Please read here on the board about etiquette and preservation of blades, so you can pass your sword on in good condition to future generations.

[Geraint]

Dear Doug.

 

Welcome!  Your sword is a shingunto mounted Showa to, this means a sword made during WWII and mounted for Army use.  The signature is Noshu Seki ju Kanenao saku which means made by the smith Kanenao in Seki in Mino province.  The sword also has the pierced pattern tsuba which is nice.  I am sure that as a tank commander your grandfather would have had some harrowing stories to tell, did he share them with you?

 

If you look in FAQ at the top of the page you will fins some information about caring for the sword, don't be tempted to clean anything.

 

All the best.

 

Posted at the same time as Jean!

[Interested]

Jean, Geraint,

 

Thank you both so much for taking the time - and brilliant that you both concur! There are no other markings (that I can see) on the reverse of the blade, is it unusual not to have a date? Is there anywhere I might be able to look for more information about the swordsmith?

 

Thanks again, very much appreciated!

 

Doug

 

PS My grandfather didn't talk much about the war, but in his possessions was a scrap book that he kept which has a few photos and maps marked up with positions and showing where he went. Really fascinating. The story goes that he took the sword in surrender. The other family legend is that he was once sat under a tree and had his cigarette knocked out of his mouth by the lever of a Japanese grenade! He met my grandmother (who was a military nurse) on the ship back home to England after the war.