Translation -

[luisboni]

Hi,

 

Need assistance translating the Nakago inscription. Also would love to know more about the showa stamp and the quality of the blade (e.g.. Mill-steel gendaito; Koa-isshin Mantetsu-to...)

 

Thanks

[ROKUJURO]

Smith is KANEHIRO. Usually SHOWA stamped blades are not traditionally forged, but in this case the bad condition of the polish is irritating, so I cannot say for sure if it is water quenched or not. The HAMON looks at least interesting. Production date might be 1938.

Have an expert look at it in hand, if you find someone near. NMB has members all over the world! 

[luisboni]

Thanks for your time and assistance. It is highly appreciated. Any other post are more than welcome. I did a quick search on the Nihonto Kanji pages and several KANEHIRO appeared. How do i know which one of those is the smith?

[Nobody]

應船岡氏需兼廣勤作 – responding the order from Mr. Funaoka, Kanehiro respectfully made.

 

紀元二千六百一年 – The 2601^st year of Imperial reign (=1941)

[luisboni]

Very interesting. Thank you for your input and assistance. I wonder if this kind of dedication in the Nakago is common for that time period.  I also wonder if this was the first of a batch produced for Mr. Funaoka or only this sword... 

[ROKUJURO]

Luis,

it appears that this might be a special sword. Unlike others with a SHOWA arsenal stamp, it could indeed be handmade, and is very probably one of a kind. KANEHIRO was probably a smith in MINO province.
 

You have to get into contact with the specialists of this kind of late military swords. Please show your pictures in the NMB military section, and I am sure they will give you their educated comments.