Bruce Pennington

@Scogg Sam, are those just metal flaws, or dings, near the top or is there a partial stamp up there?

That's how I do it, too!

Frank, Your sword is in what is called "shirasaya" or resting case/fittings. The intact white rings are there for looks mostly, and would look like this one: The peg, or mekugi, might be bamboo that's been lacquered. Sometimes they are made of horn. You can replace the mekugi by cutting the end off a chopstick to fit. All standard mekugi are made of bamboo, but upgraded, more expensive mekugi can be made of other things.

Years ago, don't remember what conversation, someone said something similar in that he claimed studio photographers likely had a bundle of swords that he'd give the soldiers for the photo shoot. So, all of that is possible, especially the privates. The reality is that we are probably seeing "all the above" with some guys holding their own swords and some with 'props'. The sword in the original post, with the surrender cloth is a prime example. Added to possible real ones is the Sgt Major photo I posted as it is exactly in line with the OP sword. Also, you'll see in the first Superior Private photo that his Type 98 has an NCO leather tassel. In the end, we will never know. The more things pop up, like the OP sword, the clearer the "picture" (pun intended) will be.

Thanks guys! Glad you could read it.

I was also concerned that the kanji looked freshly cut compared to the rest of the nakago. I found our original discussion of this blade here: While there are reasons to suspect this as gimei, one of the compelling arguements for it being legit is the rounded nakago mune. In 1944, SMR was making flat mune, but of the 4 Koa Isshin '44s, and it's hard to see in most photos, but one of them - Spring '44 SE 2409 - has a rounded mune. So, tough call, but I don't see someone finding a mumei WWII blade with rounded mune, then cutting a gimei Mantetsu signature. Even the lining of Gerry's shirasaya is curved to fit the rounded mune.

Naotane would often stamp his nakago with a name, or part of a name, of the city he was making a blade in. Can anyone make out what this one might be?

Thanks brother! Well, now I'm in a bind. I have another kakihan on file that I had listed as Hon’ami Kōtoku. Are you able to look this kao up and see who this one is?

I have a nagging memory that I posted these already somewhere, but cannot recall where that was, but in an article written by Richard Fuller, he's included several pictures of enlisted men, some quite low in rank, with Type 98 swords. Here are a couple from his article: Superior Private 1st Class Private 1st or Superior Private

Yes, that happened a lot during the war, on both sides, officer and enlisted.

@nulldevice Chandler, sorry for interrupting the conversation, but do you know which Hon'ami this appraiser is? I don't have access to the Sesko book on it, right now.

Here's a Sgt Major. Posted by @Krzysio

Interesting, Kris! This guy is a Sergeant Major:

I could see why you thought it might be a stamp, John. Guess Josh settled that one, though, with it in hand. Josh, If you haven't seen Ohmura's site, it's worth going through. Full of fabulous photos of all the WWII versions of swords. After reading his pages, you'll have a better idea of how legit gunto look and can avoid the fakes. Military Swords of Japan - Ohmura

A Meiji era tassel for both Field and Company grade officers. I had read about them, but never seen one. All black, round cord, leather tassel either painted or rubberized.\ Found on this Auction.

I remember yours, Gerry. No serial number, which fits a couple of the Takanobu blades. Unusual, though, as it is a Koa. I only have 4 other '44 blades with Koa Isshin and they are all in the last series of the year.

I agree, I don't think it was Japanese made.

Excellent example of an NCO tassel that has had the end 'cap' undone, or never crimped at all. Found by Marcin, @Rawa:

Here's a Type 95 with both yellow and orange cords. Found on this Zevantiques auction.

Ernie @Stegel has one (or is it 2) coppers with original brass-ended saya with what appears to be original welded-on drags. I don't recall serial numbers, but he believes them to be possible transitions to the newer styled saya with drag.

Sesko uses 'omi' "YOSHIOMI (義臣), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Yoshiomi” (義臣), real name Takeyama Kazuo (武山数男), born April 3rd 1910, he was the younger brother of Yoshinao (義尚) and worked as guntō smith, ryōkō no retsu (Akihide)"

Gerry, Was yours a Winter 1942 blade, too? I have this and another on file, both signed as "Takanobu quenched".

Yes, the all-leather covered wooden tsuka/saya look seems to be common in the island swords. I don't know S.E. Asian styles, but the fuchi/koiguchi art strikes me as Thailand'ish.

Well, you know my default setting is to assume the best unless it's obvious, like some of the fakes truly are. But you may be right. But for a fake, it's an odd one. They must have used some real parts, like the koiguchi (perfect) and tsuka wooden parts (ever see workman's writing on the end of a fake tsuka?). The ito looks new, yet most metal parts appear heavily worn. The same' looks new. The undrilled sarute ana doesn't bother me, by itself as we've seen this on other legit gunto. The blade and kissaki are better than most fakes, but the nakago, while much better than most fakes, is still off. Drew, it's your sword. Guess you'll have to decide what you want to call it.

Posting the nakago from the sale: