Bujin

Hi, It's not unusual to find older blades in military mounts. This one looks like it would of been a good quality sword in it's day, but by the look of the damage, that day has passed. I do however think that $500 is not a bad price for it. It just depends if you want minty blades or those with a little character. I love blades with a story to tell. A chip here or a bump there wouldn't put me off if the price is right.

I see yours is a civilian police style sword in shape. Maybe mine is a military prison guard sword?

Thanks John. I'll look into that.

The Seki stamp doesn't cover just one, or even a few factory and private forges. There were very many forges of all sizes, from factory types to the smallest forge. The Seki stamp is a regional acceptance stamp. Most you will find are of course factory made, but I have had 2 traditionally made Seki swords. One text book army gunto stamped with the Seki acceptance on the tang and the other (civilian mounted) had the makers sign lacquered on to the mounts and inscribed on the tang. I believe there were more than a few Seki swords that were never stamped, like the one I had.

Yeah, I have several Kyu-Gunto swords but I have never seen a plain one before. I'm guessing it's either civilian or private. There were never any late war D handles made that I know of that may have sped through without detailing as the Kyu was out of production in the 30's. Nor were they officially issued in a plain mounts.

This one is causing me problems. I can't identify it. No one at the club can either. Old blades are my speciality not WW2. It's a pre 1945 D handle but has NO carvings of any kind. It's completely plain? It's definitely original Japanese.