Bruce Pennington

According to one of the discussions from Ray's link, he worked in WWII "full mei is Seki Sako Nobumitsu Saku. Not sure how to pronounce Sako...consists of the character SA and MITSU. Anyway, Sako Nobukazu was a WWII Seki gunto tosho...used the name Nobumitsu. Started in swords there 26 Oct 1939. Nothing else known by me. Regards, George." @george trotter And "I believe that the mei reads Seki Sako Nobumitsu saku (関佐光信光作). Sako (佐光) is family name of Nobumitsu (信光: smith's name), and his real name is Sako Shinichi(reading?) (佐光信一). Ref. http://www.jp-sword.com/files/seki/gendaito.html BTW, generally 佐光 can also read Sukemitsu when it is used as a given name. @Nobody From Sesko's list: "NOBUMITSU (信光), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Nobumitsu” (信光), real name Sakō Shin´ichi (佐光信一), born June 24th 1905, student of Kojima Katsumasa (小島勝正), he worked as guntō smith and died July 21st 1993, ryōkō no retsu (Akihide)"

Yes, I have seen a few blades that were obviously made for RS mounts (Type 3) but were in Type 98 fittings. Not normal, but not unusual.

Just for the record keeping, we are talking about this Kunihiro - 片岡国廣 - correct?

Darren, The large Seki was an inspector stamp of the civil Seki Cutlery Manufacturers Association used between 1940 - 1944. Personally, I feel the blades with this stamp (and the Showa stamp) were usually quite well made., just not traditional.

Interesting Rob, what is the purpose of that notch-like shape?

I have a gunto with a latch that will not catch the edge of the saya and the blade simply slides out if tipped the wrong way. I've scared myself a couple of times. It's certainly safer if you can replace the latch, if you can find one to fit properly. They do vary a bit in size and length. But it's worth a try. Be ready for the possibility that the replacement doesn't fit or won't catch well enough, though.

Jacob, Like Jean said, this is an older blade mounted in leather covered saya (scabbard) for WWII. The experts may be able to estimate the era of your blade by the photos provided. However they may need the following measurements:

I have 5 Yoshimichi on file with kikumon (chrysanthemum). Three dated between 1711 - 1755. One was estimated to be from the 1600s. This mon does not match the others in my files, however each of them vary from the next, so that doesn't tell us much. The kikumon was a sign the smith was approved to make swords under the shogunate, and has been seen from the 1600s to the mid-1800s. You might have noticed that your fittings are missing some parts. Some collectors like to keep their swords just as they got them (Life of the sword philosophy). Other would rather find period correct parts to refit the sword. If you care to do so, you can see how yours should look by reading this site: Scabbard, spring clip, etc - Ohmura and Gunto Metal Parts - Ohmura Care and cleaning - Japanese sword Care I don't know Yoshimitsu and his work. But in general, older blades in military fittings sell in the range of $1,900 to $2,400. Lower end for gunto with missing parts and rusted blades. However, if your smith is valued, it could go much higher. The nihonto experts would have to help you in that area.

Matt, and minor FYI - the blue/brown tassel is the Company grade tassel for Lt's & Capt's (Warrant officers too, I think). As for the blade, I'm really bad at this, but I think it could be traditionally made. (this will get the real experts to chime it for you!). Another note: Based on my chart and files, blades with dates on the end of the nakago (tang) like yours - vertical, blade tip up - were made from 1943 - 1945. Just to give you an idea about the manufacture range.

Heck, Sam, plenty to catalog - all black paint job, Nagoya with Seki stamp - Ha! Sorry, that's what I watch for!

That one has popped up again. Got it from the same seller back in Dec 2024. Thanks though.

Ok, thanks Ray!

Little help, guys, please? As you know I'm terrible with these, but looks like 次邦, but I don't see it in Sesko's list.

From Sesko's list: "KIKUHIDE (菊秀), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Kikuhide” (菊秀), real name Murayama Kikuo (村山菊雄), born September 21st 1905, he worked as guntō smith and died April 8th 1952"

Good catch, John! 菊秀 (Kikuhide)

Called the Type 98 (design originated in 1938) Japanese officer sword (gunto). You can read about these on Ohmura's site: Military Swords of Imperial Japan Care and cleaning tips: Japanese Sword Care

I forgot to mention this one comes with a "bring back letter". To me, it looks like a photo-copy of a legit letter, used to sell the fake.

We could tell you more with photos of the nakago (tang). Hard to say anything with that single shot. From left to right, #1 &3 might be military, or civil blades with military refit. Need more photos, though.

Ditto

We have a couple guys who can translate Chinese - @BANGBANGSAN @xiayang Ito wrap is in the 1-directional Chinese style, too.

I don't recall all that he said, but as to the date of the tag, there were some swords handed over and presented to soldiers sometime after the war. Just an option.

Not sure what the symbology is, or maybe it's a mon. Posted by @Toki HERE

Yeah, me too. It was at 6:30 am Mountain Time USA.

Thanks Sam! Just for the record, you can find legitimate coppers with a screw. It is believed they were factory repaired jobs. With the mismatched saya, this one could be pretending to be one, if all the other things were right…. But even the paint on the saya is clearly new.

I thought I'd post this here for the exposure, then it can be moved to the Fake Sword thread. Found at this Western Trading Post auction (Invaluable) At first, I thought it was legit, but with wrong saya. But red flags: 1. No dimples in the tsuka diamonds 2. Wrong curvature of latch 3. A zero in the front of the serial number "02353". 4. Wrong ending of the bohi Patina to the tsuka is shockingly good and stamps are pretty darn close, however the center "TO" is too big. I'll post their photos and what it should look like right next to them: FAKE REAL