Novice looking for advice

[matthew]

Hi everyone , im very much a novice and im looking to buy a mantetsu sword which i have my eye on , i dont doubt the seller but im looking for a second opinion as such , i hope you dont mind me putting a few pictures up of the signature just to see what you think.

thanks

[BANGBANGSAN]

It looks legit

[SteveM]

Very much the real deal, issued in 1943. 

[Ray Singer]

Matthew, please see below. Nothing questionable about the sword you have shared, but you can compare with another oshigata here.

 

http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/koa.htm

[Bruce Pennington]

Matthew,

That's a good lookin' Mantetsu.  Please do me a favor and get the seller to send you a pic of the full serial number on the nakago mune (back edge of tang).  Quite often have to remove the habaki to reveal the full number.

 

If you buy it, please post more pics of the whole rig.  Love to see it all.  Also, at least PM me with your purchase price.  I'm very curious to see what the COVID market price is on Mantetsu these days.

[matthew]

Hi bruce , i managed to get a picture of the serial number and ive sent you a pm also ,thanks

[Bruce Pennington]

Thanks Matthew!  Didn't have that one in the Mantetsu study, but now I do!

[Kiipu]

Spoiler

ア 一七 (A17)　昭和癸未春 (1943 Spring)　満鐵鍛造之 (SMR forged this)

 

Looks like a 36th series, army contract blade.  If you acquire it, double-check the date side and see if it has an M inspection mark.  The M can be found toward the top or bottom of the nakago and sometimes both locations will have one.

[matthew]

Thanks for all your replies 👍

[16k]

A nice one and another member joining the Mantetsu proud owners' club. Enjoy it, those are the best swords.

[Bruce Pennington]

I just noticed that there is a metal saya underneath the leather.  That's a good sign it's all original, and the owner made an effort to protect his gunto with the leather.

[lonely panet]

those are the best swords. !!!!!

 

sorry spilt my coffee

 

 

 

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Best sword for taking to war perhaps, I would certainly trust my life to a Koa Isshin Mantetsu.

[matthew]

Here are a few more pictures from the seller , after much thought i have took the plunge and bought the sword , i might post some new pics once it arrives 

[Leen]

Got to love those Mantetsu’s

[ROKUJURO]

Laying a blade in nice condition on raw granite stone would prevent me from buying.....