VBI Posted July 3 Report Posted July 3 I just inherited this nihonto from my father in law. It was given to him by his father who served in the pacific during WW2. I believe he was U.S. Army and was stationed in the Philippines for a while. I don't know if that's where this weapon came from. I'm trying to figure out if this is genuine and what in general it is. I've tried going through databases, using AI, using kanji translators, and I've been unable to confidently identify any of the kanji. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Here is a side by side of the mei with the light source in opposite directions. Hopefully all the chisel strokes are visible between the two photos. 1 Quote
SteveM Posted July 3 Report Posted July 3 関吉田兼氏作 Seki, YOSHIDA Kaneuji saku (Made by Kaneuji YOSHIDA of Seki town) More info in the thread here 3 Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted July 4 Report Posted July 4 Would you do me a favor and post a shot of that small stamp above the signature? Quote
VBI Posted July 4 Author Report Posted July 4 Thanks so much for taking time to help SteveM. Here is a closer look at the stamp, Bruce. The stamp doesn't have much detail. Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted July 4 Report Posted July 4 1 hour ago, VBI said: The stamp doesn't have much detail. That's ok, Bob, thanks. It's the Showa stamp, the approval stamp of the civilian Seki Cutlery Manufacturers Association. They used this stamp between 1935 and 1942, with most dated blades bearing the stamp made in 1940-41; just to give you an idea of the date possibilities. You didn't show the fittings, whether army or navy, but you can read about them on Ohmura's site: Military Swords of Imperial Japan. He's got tons of great, pristine pictures of all the variations and fittings styles. Care for your sword: Japanese Sword Care 3 Quote
VBI Posted July 4 Author Report Posted July 4 Thanks for the information on the stamp and links, Bruce. The sword is pretty simple and not in the best of shape with the lacquer peeling off the scabbard. No idea why there is tape on the scabbard. There appears to be writing inside the tsuka. It's difficult to get a good picture of. Does this writing reveal anything about the weapon's history? Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted July 5 Report Posted July 5 The translation guys will have to help you with that writing. It's usually assembly instructions, or sometimes the name of the wood worker. Quote
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