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Posted

I have a Japanese Samurai sword that I am trying to get info on as I would wish to sell. I have an internet friend in Japan that translated the name on the shaft under the handle. He said that it was authored? (made?) by Tanigawa Ishin. Could anyone tell me anything about Mr. Tanigawa? I had this listed on e-bay for $150.00 and some guy is pressing me hard to sell it to him as a buy it now for $500.00. I decided to take it off e-bay and try to find out a little more about it. Can anyone help? My e-mail address is roddcook@rcn.com if anyone would be so kind as to send info.

Thanks

Rod

Posted

Your swordmaker, Tanigawa Isshin was a Seki Tosho (sworsmith of Seki town ) in WWII. He began as a Seki swordsmith on 12th Sept 1941. His family and personal name is Tanigawa Hiroharu. The two photo examples of his work provided by the kindness of Moriyama san and Franco show a "sho" stamp and a "seki" stamp, indicating a military contract filled by the Seki sword company. One source described the blade as traditionally made and water quenched...with this stamp, it is more likely to be western steel and oil quenched. However, you don't say whether your sword has a little stamp or not. I have seen a blade by this smith and it is what we call showato, a military sword not traditionally made with native Japanese iron and water quenching. This is probably what yours is, but some swordsmiths did make private orders without the military stamp, and some of these show evidence of traditional craftsmanship.

Regards

George Trotter

Posted

They are slightly unusual fittings to. I don't remember seeing them on a Gunto before

 

Anyway $500 is a very low figure. I'd do a lot more research before parting with it. I'm sure there are experts on here who can provide a lot of info and a more realistic idea of what it's worth

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