Tang translation assistance

[Major Steven Smith]

I just purchased a WW2 Japanese Army Type 98 Officer Samurai sword and would like to ask the experts out there for a translation of the tang.  I was told it has the sword maker signature of Kanetaka.  I’d really like to know exactly what the translation of the characters on the tang.  This is my first samurai sword and would really like the exact translation.  I appreciate all the help you can give me.

Respectfully,

Steve S. Aka Bubba 007

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Steve,

Noshu Masuda Kanetaka Saku (made by Masuda Kanetaka of Noshu). The paint is the number 388.

Grey

[k morita]

Hi,

 

Noshu Matsuda Kanetaka Saku .  　松田兼高

 

 

[Major Steven Smith]

Grey,

Thank you so very much for the information, it helps me know the actual signature line and information to go with the sword.  When I bought the sword I discovered it was a bring back because on the leather scabbard it had scratched on it “ A. F. Brandt, (121355194) Trenton, New Jersey.  The 3 in the serial number could be an 8.  Anyway, your information really helps with the history.  I was told it was probably made in 1943, so I’m not sure if that date is firm.  Any other information you could give me on the sword would be great.  I was told the 388 is the arsenal number, but would know what the 388 represents.  Anyway, thanks again for your help and very grateful for the information

Respectfully

Steve 

[Major Steven Smith]

Thank you K. Morita for the information and characters since they are hard to see on the sword and told never try to clean it up.  Any information you may have on the sword maker, the place it was made and what the number 388 means would be great to know.  I’m trying to learn everything I can about the sword.  Again, thank you for your help.

Respectfully,

Steve

Edited August 28, 2021 by Major Steven Smith
Misspelled name

[SteveM]

Just to further round out: Nōshū is an area in the middle of Japan, which corresponds to present-day Gifu Prefecture. "Nōshū" is the old, traditional name of that region (used when Japan was organized under the feudal government). This area was always famous for sword production, and it still produces high-end edged tools (knives and such). It was, and still is, quite common for smiths to continue using the traditional names of the prefectures. 

 

There is a ton of information regarding gunto (army swords) on this site. 

Another site you might have already checked out is http://ohmura-study.net/900.html

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gifu_Prefecture

[Major Steven Smith]

Thanks Steve M for the additional information and website links, the first one I didn’t know of, Wikipedia I had checked out.  I appreciate your info to help educate me on my samurai sword.  This is one great forum and so glad I ran across it today.  Looking forward to more replies.

Respectfully 

Steve S.

[Bruce Pennington]

Steve,

It would be nice to see a photo or 2 of the blade showing the temper pattern in a close clear shot, and blade tip.  Sometimes guys can give you an idea if the blade was made in the traditional manner or was a factory, mass-produced blade.  It can affect the market value to know that.

 

The painted numbers were put there, most likely (it's not a proven fact, but widely accepted in Sword World) by the fittings shop.  They will often match the numbers on the metal parts.  The idea is to keep these custom fitted pieces together as the blade goes through the completion process.  Yours, 388, is different from the "1 2 1 3" on the fittings.  So, it's possible this blade was re-fitted from it's original set into this one.

 

I don't see any small stamps.  If you know of any, it can help date the blade.  They are usually up high, above the signature.  Otherwise, I don't see anything that would point to 1943 in particular.  I checked my files and have Kanetaka blades from 1935-1943.

[Major Steven Smith]

Thanks Bruce for the additional information, slowly gaining more of an education on this sword.  I’ve attached a few photos of the blade. The photos came from the dealer whom I’ve known for over 25 years and has a huge personal collection of Japanese swords.  I really appreciate the information you’ve provided and the time you spent helping me.

Respectfully,

Steve S.

[Bruce Pennington]

Hopefully the nihonto guys can give an opinion of the blade.  Someone put a lot of effort into this, even if it turns out to be a showato.  The fittings are good-to-high quality from what I see.  Type 98 as you said.  The tassel, is brown and blue (a bit faded but that means it was in the field, not in an office).  That would mean it was carried by a Company grade officer.  Theirs were the same as ours, Lt through Captain.

[Major Steven Smith]

Thanks Bruce for the information,  makes me feel good things about the sword. This has been a great forum to get educated by some experts in the field. Again, thanks for the input.