Edward G Posted May 3 Report Posted May 3 Attached are photos of a 1944 pattern army officers katana ( Naval landing force type). I cannot make beans out of the tang inscription. My thoughts are that this is an arsenal blade, but no showa stamps anywhere to be found on the tang. Saku on last character. Please look at date side as well. I know it is Showa probably using a month or season iscription . Any help is apprrreciiated. Nagasa is 24 3/4 inches. Edward G Quote
ROKUJURO Posted May 3 Report Posted May 3 MASAKUNI, TACHI MEI. I cannot read the fourth character of the date, but if you would use a dark/black, non-reflecting background, a dark room, and light from the side for all photos, all should be readable. No chalk on the NAKAGO! Quote
John C Posted May 3 Report Posted May 3 I think 1944 is correct. Looks like a squished 9. John C. 1 Quote
Conway Posted May 3 Report Posted May 3 1 hour ago, ROKUJURO said: I cannot read the fourth character of the date I think it’s just 日 - day Quote
Nobody Posted May 4 Report Posted May 4 東神正国作 – Toshin Masakuni saku 昭和十九年三月日 – Showa 19th year (1944), 3rd month 1 1 Quote
Edward G Posted May 4 Author Report Posted May 4 Thank you all for your reponses, epecially Moriyama. Many Thanks Edwared G Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted May 4 Report Posted May 4 Ed, Is this yours? I have several Masakuni blades on file that are star stamped. Could we get a clear, brighter shot of the top of the nakago? Also, there could be stamped numbers on the nakago mune. Quote
Edward G Posted May 4 Author Report Posted May 4 Yes . it is my sword. I recently purchased a small collection of swords.... I am enclosing pictures of the tang. No star stamp. Sharp at the Habaki, therefore I am confident it is still a Gendaito Sword. However, some other curious markings. see attached. Your thoughts? Edward G Quote
Conway Posted May 4 Report Posted May 4 The stamp on the nakago is the “saka” stamp for the Osaka Army Arsenal. The yasurime reminded me of other swords that came from that arsenal. For example, see this Masanori currently for sale by Ray Singer: https://swordsofjapan.com/product/mizuno-masanori-katana-in-type-3-gunto-koshirae/ Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted May 4 Report Posted May 4 2 hours ago, Conway said: The stamp on the nakago is the “saka” stamp for the Osaka Army Arsenal. The yasurime reminded me of other swords that came from that arsenal. For example, see this Masanori currently for sale by Ray Singer: https://swordsofjapan.com/product/mizuno-masanori-katana-in-type-3-gunto-koshirae/ Conway, you never cease to amaze me! Good call. It's a Masanori, thought for a second it was Mitsunobu. Never mind. But great ID work on the saka. Ed, thanks for the mune number! The chevorns seem to be polisher marks, but I've never seen any like that for sure. 1 Quote
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