Looking for more info about this blade

[EROC]

Hello NMB

 

I recently acquired this katana. I can see that there is a Showa stamp at the top of the tang. Was hoping this community could help me translate the rest. Thanks Eric

 

FYI. There is only writing on one side.

 

[george trotter]

A bit hard to see for my old eyes but I think it is signed by Kaneyoshi.

I think your tang is signed MiNo Ju KaneYoshi Saku  (Resident of Mino, Kaneyoshi made (this)).

there were two of this name that I am aware of - both working in Seki.

Yoshida Kaneyoshi started as Seki smith 8 Oct 1939

Matsuhara (also Matsubara) Kaneyoshi started at seki 11 Nov 1941

 

Not sure which is yours...

[EROC]

2 hours ago, george trotter said:

A bit hard to see for my old eyes but I think it is signed by Kaneyoshi.

I think your tang is signed MiNo Ju KaneYoshi Saku  (Resident of Mino, Kaneyoshi made (this)).

there were two of this name that I am aware of - both working in Seki.

Yoshida Kaneyoshi started as Seki smith 8 Oct 1939

Matsuhara (also Matsubara) Kaneyoshi started at seki 11 Nov 1941

 

Not sure which is yours...

Thanks George

 

This help a lot. 

 

Do you know where I can do more digging on the Seki?

 

I feel I might be going down a rabbit hole.

-Eric

[mecox]

Eric

As George read “Mino ju Kaneyoshi saku”  and this one is Matsubara Shozo Kaneyoshi.  Born Taisho 10 (1921 Jan 20).  He was a student of Watanabe Kanenaga and the younger brother of Nakata Kanehide.  He later became a Naval swordsmith.  Summary and examples in Naval Swordsmiths Part 2, in the NMB Downloads.   With a Sho/sakura stamp is an early war Showato.

[SteveM]

And, if you already haven't checked it out, Ohmura's site is good for killing an hour or two (if you are into WW2 swords).

A bit about Seki (in English) if you scroll down.

http://ohmura-study.net/211.html

 

[EROC]

Thanks mecox. This is great info.

 

I will definitely spent some time on the ohmura site.

 

-Eric

[EROC]

You guys have been a great help. 

 

Here is a full pic. It is my assumption that the fittings are not original. Am I correct? 

 

Also, does it make sense to have it restored?

 

Thanks again

-Eric

 

[Geraint]

Dear Eric.

 

The fittings are not standard WWll ones but it is not that uncommon to find swords in simple civilian mounts with the addition of a hanger for use in the war.  Your sword might have had a leather combat cover over the saya.  Personally I would leave them as they are.  

 

All the best.