Help with identification/value please

[kingfish]

I am new to this and really dont know much but want to acquire a nice Japanese sword. Here are some pics of a sword I came across and was wondering if anyone can give me info and/or a value for it. As for the sheath, it appears to be wood, in two halves and painted with some glossy black paint which does not look original. Could it be the authentic sheath that someone painted? Sorry I dont have pics of it.

[drbvac]

This is more likely to be a genuine signed blade but I am sorry I can't translate the mei.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi, name please,

Seki Sukemitsu Nobumitsu Saku (made by Sukemitsu Nobumitsu of Seki). I'm wondering if an arsenal stamp (probably Seki Stamp) has been peened off just above and slightly to the right of the mei, where the file marks disappear. The handle may have been rewrapped; can't say much about the scabbard and your question about it without seeing a picture.

A WWII Gunto (military sword), I believe. Hard to assess value without more information/pictures.

Grey

[kingfish]

Thank you all. GD, I was told that it was not a www2, but from much earlier. I appreciate your time and opinion.

[Geraint]

Hi,

 

It seems so far that what you have found is a Showato, ie a Japanese sword made during the Showa period so probably for WWII. Someone has remounted it to make it look more like a "Samurai sword", one clue being that the handle wrap all goes from right to left in the picture whereas a Japanese wrap would alternate, left-right, right-left.

 

First sword? Start of something big? Many collectors have started with a chance encounter and gone on to be dedicated enthusiasts.

 

All the best