Toyokawa Numbered Blades

[Bruce Pennington]

Just came across two anti-rust blades stamped by the Toyokawa Arsenal with numbers on the nakago, 5 digits apart, but signed by different smiths.

 

If anyone else has Toyokawa numbered blades, I'd be interested to see the numbers and who signed them.

 

Also, I'm pretty sure not all Toyokawa blades were numbered, so it would be interesting to see if we could figure out who's blades were numbered and maybe why. For example, my Takayama-style blade is stamped Toyokawa, unsigned, and no serial number.

 

First one, sigened Inaba Kaneyoshi: found here: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/31436-kai-gunto-katana-sword-for-review/

 

Second, signed Hira-Toshi Saku: found here: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/31471-translation-help/

[Bruce Pennington]

Ok, the plot already thickens!!! Just found this Toyokawa blade signed by the same smith as the second blade above, but no number.

 

 

found here: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/25775-ww2-navt-sword/?hl=toyokawa&do=findComment&comment=260460

[Bruce Pennington]

Ah fudge! David, over on Translation Assistance pointed out that the stamped numbers simply match the numbers on the fittings, and therefore are simply assembly numbers. This would explain the two blades signed by the same smith, one numbered and the other not. I checked my Takayama-styled blade and its assembly numbers were painted on, but matching.

 

So, mystery solved. The stamped assembly numbers might could be traced to a particular outfitter, though, for anyone who follows koshirae makers. Otherwise, dead thread! Sorry for the nothing-burger!

[waljamada]

Makes sense. My late war kai gunto with a naval stamp/no signature has 23 painted on the tang and 23 is also stamped on both the seppa. Figured it was for assembly.