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Mei on a probable showato


acoyauh

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Hello, 

Although I don't see any armory seal, my impression is that this is a Manchurian steel showato.

A curious detail are the Kanji on the nakago's mune, I never saw this before... 

I will appreciate your help with the Mei on this piece, that should help me research it better. 

Thank you! 

IMG_20210328_150000.jpg

IMG_20210328_150108.jpg

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1 hour ago, PNSSHOGUN said:

Nice find, worth a few thousand USD with good mounts and condition. 

Mounts are fine and complete, has tan-paint metal saya. It could use a light polish, but has no defects or nicks on the blade. Can add pics tomorrow once I put it back together, if you like 

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Jean Paul,

The guys are right about this Mantetsu Koa Isshin, dated 1941 Spring, although the massive majority of Mantetsu were marked "Spring" regardless of the time of year.  Your serial number "TA 287" puts it almost halfway through the fiscal year of 1941, so more like late Summer or Fall.  The Mantetsu blades were a breakthrough achievement for the time invented (late 1930's) and were so well regarded that there was reportedly a wait-list of officers that wanted them.  Good articles about them at Ohmura's site HERE

and an article we compiled from NMB guys, attached.

MANTETSU DISCOVERIES.docx

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A 16th series commercial Mantetsu, one of 7 known in this series.  The series low is タ181 and the high is タ336.  Do post an overall picture of the sword with the scabbard placed below the blade.  This is just to classify the fittings as either army, navy, or civilian.

タ 二八七 = TA 287.

昭和辛巳春 = Spring 1941.

興亜一心 満鐵作之 = Kōa Isshin Mantetsu saku kore.

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