Would appreciate any help identifying the maker and rarity

[Rmueller9]

WW II Japanese Officer`s Sword. But, the blade is beautiful and the Mei looks like a maker is identifiable. Any help would be appreciated. 

    Thanks,  

        Rich Mueller

[Rmueller9]

pictures

[Rmueller9]

Other pictures, I blew it on the original posting

[Jussi Ekholm]

Posted this few days ago on another forum. Signature is 以安来鋼兼道作, smith is Kojima Kanemichi. Date is: 紀元二千六百年 Kigen nisen roppyaku nen = 2600 Imperial year which means 1940.

 

There are plenty of folks here specializing on this period so you'll get more info. You can also google the signature and find other examples.

[Geraint]

Dear Rich.

 

Just to add, the pierced tsuba is a nice touch and I wonder if the saya (scabbard) is lacquered wood or the usual metal variety?  A light tap with a pencil should tell you, you can check with a magnet also.

 

(Instrument maker by trade?)

 

All the best.

[PNSSHOGUN]

A very nice sword by a well regarded smith of both traditionally made swords and non-traditional. You may want to look for any stamps above the signature to verify it being one or the other. Rarity is relative, this has nice higher grade mounts and a tassel which make it more desirable.

[Rmueller9]

Thanks for the info. Jussi, thanks again. I put it on this site due to the level of expertise that is rather apparent!

[Rmueller9]

Geraint,

I am a high level violin restorer, but not a maker.

[Ken-Hawaii]

Would you please sign all your posts with your first name, per Brian's rules? Much easier to address you. Easy to set up in your signature.

[Rmueller9]

Okay.

 

Rich