Paulownia Seal (桐紋 - Kiri-mon)

[Robert Corvo]

New to the site, hope I'm in the correct area. Can I have some help identifying this sword? Thank You Robert C

[Ray Singer]

Appears to be a showato arsenal blade by Fukumoto Kanemune. WWII era blade, not fully traditionally made. 

[David Flynn]

It's signed Kanemune.  He made both traditional and non traditional swords.  This one is non traditional (Showato).

[Robert Corvo]

Thank you for your response.  Would this have been an Officers sword or government official?

[Rawa]

Not with this koshirae. More info about smith in this thread. Maybe court sword of some sort?

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/4976-fukumoto-kanemune-work/

Please give stamp close up.

[Bruce Pennington]

Hi Robert!

John, @PNSSHOGUN, might have some insight into those fittings.  I know there are other guys that collect swords in tachi fittings, as well, that might recognize this.

 

The mon was discussed a few times.  Here is one of them:

"

 Quote

Regarding the Kiri-Mon, I had looked up the picture of the mon previously and saw it was tied to the Toyotomi clan. However, with your naming it, then I found it’s a symbol of either the Japanese government or with this 3-5-3 Paulownia (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_Seal_of_Japan ), a symbol of the Japanese Imperial Guard. So, this wouldn’t represent the carrier's family but instead that he was a solider in the Imperial Guard?

The problem with getting too deep into Mon is they were nearly all open to use by anybody from the Meiji period onwards, including this 3-5-3 Kiri Mon. Sometimes there needs to be examination of the whole sword to determine if there is any special significance to be gained from the Mon. It is an enjoyable little exercise but all too easy easy to get carried away, I know I have on many occasions. "

 

So, your sword might have been a presentation to a government official, or it was bought this way by one.

 

Kanemune was a prolific smith.  I have records of his blades throughout the war and in a variety of fittings.  @mecox likely has an article about him!  This is your guy:

"KANEMUNE (兼宗), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Kanemune” (兼宗), real name Fukumoto Koichi (福本小市), born October 14th 1902, adopted son-in-law of Fukumoto Amahide (天秀), he died on March 8th 1977, ryōkō no jōi (Akihide)"

 

The stamp would be the Showa stamp of the Seki Cutlery Manufacturers Association, a civil group tasked by the sword industry to inspect blades for quality.  Your manufacture date is likely 1940-1941.

[mecox]

@Robert Corvo    Robert, yes it is Fukumoto Kanemune early war with Sho stamp.  The mei looks a little roughly cut.  He did produce some good work.  

Here are examples and background:

 

[Robert Corvo]

My Uncle brought it back from Okinawa with a few other items. Would he have produced swords in that Region?

[Robert Corvo]

[mecox]

Sword would be made and mounted in Seki, very unlikely in Okinawa.  This would be a custom order and does not need to be military related.  Not uncommon for swords with this type of itomaki koshirae (mounting) to be given as awards or prizes as well as commemoration.

 

[Rawa]

13 hours ago, Robert Corvo said:

Are those horimono from this sword? And If someone can explain if dragon with closed mouth is male or female.