Gendai Gunto mounts XXX Tsuna ?

[BRUNROX]

Greetings ! I have been trying now for 2 weeks to descipher the Kanji symbols on my sword ,and the only one that I think makes any sense would be the "Tsuna" kanji. The first one eludes me completely. Tried counting strokes, comparing the kanji side by side , one by one , with known Smiths names but absolutely no luck . The frustration also comes along with sleepless nights

The other side of tang has five symbols of which the first one appears to be either "Moto" or "Hon"..

possibly "HonShu" ? The other three are an enigma to my novice attempts. Any help is greatly appreciated , I hope some of our knowledgeable members can contribute with their opinions. The Nakago is free of any stamps. Best Regards, Mario P.

[John A Stuart]

It is Masatsuna MAS 1750 Yamaguchi 1940 in Hawleys John

[BRUNROX]

Thank You very much John . Please forgive my ignorance , but you also make reference to Yamaguchi 1940.., is that where he worked from ? I have the old Hawleys from 1966 and there is no mention of Showa era Masatsuna. Many thanks for your help. Regards, Mario P.

[John A Stuart]

Yes, Yamaguchiken 山口県 in Honshu 本州 The uncommon 'masa' kanji 聖 for 聖綱 John

[BRUNROX]

Thanks Again John for your help. I never would have figured that out on my own. Really appreciate your input. Best Regards, Mario P.

[John A Stuart]

All except one point. I transcribed the smiths area of work wrong. It was Tokyo not Yamaguchi. I quoted the line info of an above smith. John

[k morita]

Hi,

The sword mei says "Pure iron(iron sand?) of the sea of mainland" and the mei is "Kiyotsuna" 聖綱.

Maybe this sword smith is Oshima(family name) Kiyotsuna, or Udayama(family name?) Kiyotsuna in Tokyo around 1930 -'40. Those 2 smith had worked at same smithy in Tokyo.

(see [Dainippon token shoko meikan] on page 92, and [Tosho zenshu] on page 616.)

[John A Stuart]

Hi Morita san, The smith is recorded in Hawleys as Masatsuna. I know Kiyotsuna is an alternative reading (actually more common way). Has Hawley this error? Hence the practical use of furigana. John

[BRUNROX]

Thank You very much John and Morita San for the additional information on the sword. Looks like I will have a lot of fun now researching the data provided. This Katana has the thickest and beefiest blade of any that I have owned, do not know if all swords made by this Smith have the same characteristics , or if this was a "One of a kind", (due to the mention of Pure Iron)

Thanks Again for your interest. Best Regards, Mario P.