Paper Label

[Grey Doffin]

Hi guys,

Something unusual has shown up (at least I can't recall having seen it before); thought I'd share it around.

From Fuller & Gregory's Japanese Military and Civil Swords and Dirks: "Small paper labels are sometimes found stuck on Showa period lacquered scabbards which have been fitted with leather combat covers. They are rare and only two types have been recorded. (i) A circular blue and white label in English and Japanese. The outside reads 'The Seki Cutlery manufacturers Society. Seki Gifuken. Japan. (Passed)'. One has also been found stuck on a blade tang. The use of English and inclusion of 'Japan' seems to indicate an export item which is clearly not the case with a sword. Possibly they are pre-war but were used up on swords after the cessation of normal Japanese exports to the West."

I'll skip the description of the 2nd type of label since it doesn't apply here. The sword is obviously Showa-to, unsigned, and unremarkable. The label is interesting, though.

Grey

[Stephen]

Grey

 

Not extremely rare as I've seen at least 8 or 9 at shows and some on the net, I was always under the impression they were made late and post war for service men in Japan, and yes none were gendaito.