ARMY MOUNT 26" with odd Kashira

[Dogditcher]

Listed as ARMY MOUNT 26"

My observations

Showa stamped

Kashira is Unique

Nakago seems to show more age than other Showa Blades I have to compare with

As always Translation and any information is appreciated

                          Enjoy-Thanks Steve

I just would like say that I am appreciative to everyone in Military Swords of Japan
who have taken the time to reply and to put up with my lack of knowledge when
I list a sword -

 

 

 

 

[Dogditcher]

 

 

[Dogditcher]

 

 

[mecox]

Seki ju nin Takeyama Yoshinao saku.  Sho stamp.

YOSHINAO    義尚: real name Takeyama Tsutomu (武山勲).  

 Born Meiji 39 (1906) August 17, older brother of Yoshitomi  (義臣). Reg. Showa 14 (1939)  October 27 (age 33).  Rikugun-jumei-tōshō.  Died Showa 57 (1982) July 11.  

Akihide 1942: Jōkō no retsu (5/7).  Second Seat at 6th Shinsakuto 1941).

Example mei:   (“Seki Fujiwara Yoshinao”) (“Noshu Seki Takeyama Yoshinao saku” SHO), (“Seki Fujiwara Yoshinao saku” SHO), (“Seki Fujiwara Yoshinao saku kore”) (“Noshu ju Takeyama Yoshinao kin saku”)  (“Noshu Seki ju nin Takeyama Yoshinao kin saku” SEKI).

 

[Mister Gunto]

I have a couple swords in similar WW2-era mounts. Looks like Gunzoko koshirae. The Japanese military had two parallel sets of command, those considered actual "Soldiers of the IJA/IJN", and those in support roles, "Civilian Employees of the IJA/IJN", the Gunzoko. (I've heard them referred to by different names)

 

So, an Officer in the Infantry, Calvary, Artillery, etc, would be considered an actual Imperial Solider. While an Officer in Administration, Medical, Judicial, Quartermasters, etc, would be a Gunzoko. Both wore military uniforms and were authorized to carry swords. Both would be expected to deploy and go into the battlefield, but they had two different ranking systems. 

 

Based on the surviving swords, Gunzoko were given a little more leeway in their sword fittings. You tend to find more traditional/civilian tsubas, fuchis, etc. on their blades.