Mei and "serial number" on saya

[John C]

I have not seen this before, however the sword itself looks legit. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/167833814915?

 

John C.

[Kiipu]

Maybe a registered utility model number?

[Mikaveli]

Is it:

 

実用新案登録

 

I'm not sure about the fourth and last characters?

 

[Rawa]

Definitely patent. Here you go another one. You can pick tsukamaki color 

It's patent for saya only?

-no metal parts [leather cover?]

-both examples have mumei blades

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/215034172_japanese-katana-sword-w-saya-willoughby-oh

Edited October 6, 2025 by Rawa

[Bruce Pennington]

Well, call me surprised!  Never seen patent numbers on saya before!

[robinalexander]

Another on a very nice old blade with a sword guy in Melbourne.

[Mark C]

Hi All,

 

Is the number for the Ashi attachment or the whole saya?

 

Regards

[Rawa]

3rd example in cover with similar wood black lacquered saya. Imo for entire saya with cover.

Adding picture with mix of hangers.

Edited October 6, 2025 by Rawa

[Rawa]

@robinalexandercould you get picture of entire saya? Wonder if there is any "horse shoe" ending. It could have same number.

[Mark C]

The first picture and your example both have a wooden saya.

 

I've owned something almost the same without the numbers on that fits the top end of a wooden saya.

 

Regards

[Rawa]

36 minutes ago, Mark C said:

The first picture and your example both have a wooden saya.

 

I've owned something almost the same without the numbers on that fits the top end of a wooden saya.

 

Regards

But his have leather cover so could be complete.

Edit. I found 4th example.

https://docs.prod-indb.io/2019/11/14/115915_670647078_1c797384ff244e1a6d564edc798667ce.pdf

Edited October 6, 2025 by Rawa

[Kiipu]

19 hours ago, Mikaveli said:

実用新案登録

 

I think the characters are a bit stylized and the last one is hard to see.  I do think that what you have is correct though.

第３２００２０号 = No. 320020.

 

Maybe a second opinion is in order.

@SteveM

[SteveM]

Looks right to me. 

[robinalexander]

15 hours ago, Rawa said:

@robinalexandercould you get picture of entire saya? Wonder if there is any "horse shoe" ending. It could have same number.

Sorry Marcin, not possible BUT if it ever comes into my possession...I will be happy to post. Provided I was able to safely remove the combat cover which is unlikely.

[vajo]

Robin that gunto picture looks strange? Did you take it?

It looks on the picture like that cigar

[robinalexander]

Lol ...yes Chris I took it.

 

Could be optical illusion ? For interest, it's 越前國継 - Echizen Kunitsugu

[BANGBANGSAN]

I had this photo awhile ago ,but forgot where did I  got it.

[Kiipu]

Cross-Reference

Sword Indentification

[japanesewarriors]

I have one with out the wood saya, same numbers etc its a registered fitting for the Gunto, allows for securing catch etc.

[Rawa]

Fuller & Gregory page 66. It’s hard to remember all pictures.