Yoshida Yoshitsugu Question

[Justin Grant]

I have a Yoshida Yoshitsugu type 98, and it has the leather cover over a black wooden saya. The blade is signed, but not dated, so wondering if anyone can place this sword on the timeline based on the cosmetic attributes?

 

Thanks

 

Justin

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Justin,

 

Can you show me a clear photograph of that small stamp above the signature? It will give us a date range.

[Justin Grant]

Here you go. 

[Bruce Pennington]

The stamp was used by the civilian Seki Cutlery Manufacturers Association between 1940 and 1945. The massive majority of dated blades with the stamp were made ‘42.

[Justin Grant]

Thank you, Bruce. 

 

My understanding is that the 98 was a private purchase by officers, so would the wood saya and leather cover have been a cheaper purchase over a metal saya? I read somewhere that the wood saya with a leather cover was a later war effort to reduce costs and materials needed for the war. 

 

I've been sucked into these Gunto lately, now owning two (this one and a Type 0). My main line of collecting is Armor, but something about these interest me greatly. 

[Tensho]

Does this have a Bo-Hi? Haven't seen many Showato with them? 

[Justin Grant]

Yes, it has a bo-hi. 
 

[mecox]

Justin,   your mei looks to read as :    Seki ju Yoshida Yoshitsugu saku    関住吉田吉次作　　with SEKI stamp.  As noted by Bruce likely to be around 1942.  He looks to be average wartime smith.  This sword has "budget" army koshirae, but of note has bohi, which would cost a bit more.  

YOSHITSUGU 吉次: real name Yoshida Jinrō (吉田任郎).    Born Meiji 43 (1910) December 16.   Registered as Seki smith on Showa 16 (1941) May 6 (age 30).

Common mei:  (“Yoshitsugu” “1944”), (“Yoshida Yoshitsugu”), (“Noshi Seki ju Yoshida Yoshitsugu saku”).

see:  [Slough p.202]

see NMB post  below which has a naval kaigunto dated 1944.

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Some closer pictures of the Tsuka may help, the casting quality fell right off by 1944-45. 

[Justin Grant]

3 minutes ago, PNSSHOGUN said:

Some closer pictures of the Tsuka may help, the casting quality fell right off by 1944-45. 

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Thank you, as you can see the casting quality is lacking and detail on the sides has been completely abandoned. Likely late 1944 or 1945 production. 

[Justin Grant]

Thank you. Much appreciated!!