iowa1111

Just obtained a new wak, and having problems with translation, the characters seem a little different in script. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Joe H

Sorry, not to be so not informed, but when exactly did star stamping begin? I have a Kanehide blade from Oct 1941 without a star stamp, but am fairly sure hand made? Thanks Joe

No worries Stephen, you know as well as I any work to turn up in iowa in nice, master or not. There is definitely a residue at the end of tang, paint or other. I would be surprised if a signature is under it, I will need to inspect closer. Thanks Joe

Here are some more close ups. Thought I would see you there Stephen, maybe next week I can stop over. Thanks Joe

Sorry got some more Thanks JH

More pics Thanks Joe

I recently attended an auction-I have been gone a while and do not run into much in my area. This kind of stuck out for me- so I purchased it. I am posting several pictures because I would like the forum to make judgments on it. So far- Mumei tang-wood saya wrapped in WWII Leather saya. tsuka is wrapped in WWII tradition, but non WWII fittings. I believe blade and fittings were reto- fitted for WWII gunto. Tsuba is very interesting and uncleaned, I can see faint inlay with the proper light, opinions? I have my own opinions on this, Early Edo? Heianjo? But implore the board for theirs. I will post further pictures if requested in second post. Thanks Joe

My father asked me for some assistance on a recent purchase and I thought I could help, but cannot. I could use some help on the mei to help him out on his acquisition. I will also try to get some good pictures of the blade. Thanks Joseph H

So, just to clarify. A 1941 Kanehide with the inspection marks on the mune with a date and a signature, should pass mustard as a nihonto? Or your most reasonable assumptions?

Any ideas when the "star stamps" started being placed on blades?

Thanks for the information. And it does put my mind at ease, at least some. I am considering a polish and will only move forward when I am sure that is a Gendito, I have been hopeful since Kanehide did not recieve his rjt mastership until after the date on mine, which is Oct 1941. But I have not moved on it because of the stamp mentioned. Thanks

Just a question, but would a principle inspection mark, and no other marking, other then signiture, indicate a hand made or non-traditional make? I have a Kanehide with the principle but no others?

I am sorry for my confusion here, I was absolutely sure that the image I posted a few days ago was exactly like the one on my sword. After, a few days of thinking about it I thought I would give it a second look, and I was absolutely incorrect in my memory. There were actually two markings, and they do not look close to the one I posted. I do not even think these are stamps at this point, but can not find any info on them. Here are two images of what I found. I thought my memory was better than that? Edit Admin - rotated pic so we don't have to stand on our heads

Stephen, I apologized, I cut that image off the interenet becuase I did not want to break down the sword. It is an exact replica of that stamp. The tang on mine is the first two images I posted 3 weeks ago. I was being a little lazy, but remembered the small mark, so I thought I would look into it and see if anyone else has one similar, or information on the stamp. Or when stars started appearing on tangs?

I just remembered a small stamp that is located on the tang of this one. It is like the photo, does anyone have any other info on this. What I can find only states that it may be the Seki Token Corporation's trademark or accepting stamp. Also, should I beconcerned since there is no star stamped on the Tang? Thanks

I would like to thank everyone for the comments and interest. For someone who does not have a strong backround this has been very informative Thanks again, but I do believe that this has been taken as far as it can at this point and there is nothing more that needs to be said. Thanks again.

Have not disappeared-just want to take in what is being said here. I had the opportunity for Stephen to look at it in person. And I truly appreciate his time and lending of his knowledge to me. It is his belief that the blade has been cut down into its present form. I can only agree with him on this as to how he explained it to me. On the kanji, who knows, Like Stephen said “ it is or was a treasure to someone “ It is somewhat disappointing to not know for sure the absolute meaning, or what was trying to be said. But that is why I posted it in the first place. There has been much discussion and that is what this site is for anyway? Right?

Is there agreement that this junk or is their a savage value??

I hope this helps a little- if you would like to take a look- let me know. thanks

Bad news indeed, is there agreement on this? Even so, it is good to have all the info I can get. I truely appretiate all the help in the identification.

Thanks to everyone who have helped me on this. I have no idea where I could have gotten this much help. Here are a few more photos, I hope they help. Thanks

Yes, it is wood.

Here are some more pics, I hope that they help. Should have the signature set up right? Thanks

I did not realize that this would be so difficult??Can anyone recommend any other resources?

I have just acquired a couple of swords and would like to see if I may find some assistance in identifying the age and makers. These are not going to be put up for sale- This is the second sword I acquired-a Katana. As I said in my first post- I am new and have little expertise in this area. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I had to split each side of the tang into 2 separate pictures- one side has 9 characters and the other 5- I will try to post the best I can. tang side one is pics 1 and 1a-tand side 2 is 2 and 2b.