Help Identifying Army Kyu-Gunto Sword

[Foo Dog]

Hi,

 

I started doing some research on what appears to be in the beginning a Army Kyu- Gunto sword non-traditionally made blade.

A good friend mentioned that a Murata-to is a specific kind of non-traditionally made blade. Unless the blade specifically says it’s a Murata-to, there is no way to know with certainty how exactly it was made, thus, whether or not it is a Murata-to.

 

Does anyone know what kind of sword these is?

 

Thank you again and I truly appreciate any help that can be provided.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Yes, your friend is correct and it is a Murata-To pattern sword, quite often found in these mountings. These were combat swords and not dress swords, all you need is one of the black sword knots or blue/brown Shin Gunto knots to complete it for display.

[Foo Dog]

John,

 

My friend thank you for the information.

 

I do have one question regarding the hamon pattern on the Murata-To, basically all the ones I have encounters are seguha, in your experience is the gunome pattern (see attachment) on my sword is common to?

 

Thank you,

[ChrisW]

Its more unusual to have a different pattern, but not unheard of. Definitely a nice looking kyu!

[Foo Dog]

Chris,

 

Thank you for the feedback my friend.

 

Is definitely a unique piece of history having one with gunome hamon.

 

I also have an inclination toward Minamoto Yoshichika being the maker of the sword since he worked primarily in the Bizen-den gunome choji style and supposed to have made swords of western rolled steel,.

Also the finish on the nakago being more refine (file-marks) looks more like Yoshichika instead of a Murata-To base on ohmura-study.

 

 

 

Regards,

[Mister Gunto]

Some of the Murata-tos I've seen don't even have a hamon on them. You have quite a nice example. 

[Dave R]

Something seems to have happened to the first set of photo's.

[Foo Dog]

Bradley,

 

Thank you!

 

Dave,

 

I don't know what happen to the previous set of photos but I will post them now.

 

Regards,

[PNSSHOGUN]

I highly doubt this is the work of Yoshichika.

[Dave R]

 

Dave,

 

I don't know what happen to the previous set of photos but I will post them now.

 

Regards,

 

 

 Thank you, that is a nice sword!

[Foo Dog]

Dave,

 

Thank you, is a nice blade and is definitely keeping me busy with the research to whom might be the maker.

Base on the feedback I have received the blade was made during Taisho to early Showa period.

Another smith I'm researching is Ueno Naohiro a swordsmith in Musashi province and son of Naomichi.

 

 

Regards,

[vajo]

I dont think it is a murata-to.

 

I think i see some nice nie and a beautiful hada.

 

 

 

I think this is a traditional made blade.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Not seeing anything there myself, looks exactly like my Murata-To.

[Foo Dog]

Hi Chris,

 

I believe the blade is traditional made blade also, with a nice nie.

I'm posting closer photos so you can see the work at the boshi area.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Murata-To vs Three Gendaito under flash. Please do some more research into what a traditional sword looks like compared to non-traditional. There is plenty of information and references on this section alone on Murata-To and how to identify Gendaito. BTW Foo, please add your real name in your signature so we can address you per forum requirements.

[vajo]

John the polish is old. Maybe he should try to catch the hamon from another angle. I think i see some nie and activity. The blade should be seen in hands from a trained person. I'm not convinced that it is a murata-to.

[Foo Dog]

Hi John,

 

Outstanding collection and beautiful swords my friend.

 

 

Regards,

 

Antonio Vázquez, PE