Bruce Pennington

Yes, stamps on other weapons are multitudinous. If they came with the shop's name, that would be a great reference for our unknown stamps on blades.

Thanks, John. I like it. August 1823. I have one dated 1822, and both are after he switched his mei to Amahide after giving his Masahide art name to his son (they explain that, actually, in the sale description).

Yes, Autumn 1942, Ku 347 Koa Isshin stamped "143." Thanks!

Appears to be "home made". Hard to tell about the wrappings, by these photos, so can't tell about the age of them, but the blade and metal (brass) fittings all look to be made by an amateur/hobbyist. At best, judging by the parallel buffer/grinder marks, the blade could be something from the occupied lands that was totally rusted/corroded and someone ground it down to "clean it up."

I am away from my reference books for a few more days, but I’m pretty sure you would find this sword in Dawson‘s book. I don’t recall the history completely either however I think it began in the late 1800s and was prevalent through the Russian in Chinese war into World War II.

I believe there is a reference book out specifically on Dirks, but I don’t have it and can’t recall its name. It might have something in there that would help you.

Luke, I would try to find a small blade tip that I could press between the mystery material and the ray skin to see if they are actually two different substances or if the “fabric“ is the underside of the skin and is expanding due to exposure to water. The wood looks like it is delaminating and maybe the whole thing has been exposed to water.

Incredible details! Thanks for sharing that one.

Glad it's not yours or that you did the cleaning. And it really isn't critical. I'm just sitting with nothing better to do at the moment. Look at the 2 ware on the edges:

They are the same blade & habaki. Heavily cleaned for this auction. @Mark is this still your sword? Just curious.

It's not "standard" to see writing on the blade, but we see it now and then. There is one over on the Translation forum, now, with the smith's name on the blade. As for this sword, at casual glance it seems legit. Edit: Found it - Translation Requested - Volker Yasukuni

Found on dirks, kaigunto fittings, and naval kyugunto fittings. Richard Fuller lumped it together with the circled anchor calling them both "Toyokawa Navy Arsenal" stamps. My current theory is that it was a Naval inspector stamp for fittings or finished products. Suya made swords for both army and navy, so we might be seeing a naval inspector sampling and approving the items made for them.

Thanks, @Giantmalamute2003 Jerald! I assume you already know, but just in case - Spring 1939, Kao Isshin Mantetsu made; serial RO 429. I'd love some shots of the blade and fittings, as well, if you don't mind.

Nakano Shoten. Thanks!

Sorry, I should have said blades with stamps mentioned in Slough. I only track stamped blades. Thanks though.

Thanks guys! Good additions to the files. Especially that Morinobu. Actual blade to add to the file with the Slough reference.

Con, I didn't note the source (I'm better about that now, but for years, I only saved photos), but here are some more shots:

Hi Kim! I found Nick Komiya's write-up on Suya Shoten where he posted this photo at the beginning - The Untold Story of Suya Shoten; Warrelics. I don't know why he chose this particular stamp, and I wish he had gone into the other variations. I have a few in my files, and after reviewing, I think you are right that they changed their stamping over time. Of course, it could be as you suggest that there were seperate shops for different products, as they made quite a few things. Here is what I have that seems to suggest a time progression: On an old kyugunto On a kyugunto made for the Chinese As seen on most gunto On an RS (Type 3/100/etc) tsuba

You might try these guys, Steve, if they don't know here - Gunboards - Firearms of the Rising Sun

Excellent, thanks Marcin! Even has several variations of the jiri patterns.

I use Dawson's book more, however, his doesn't have dirks. So, I go to Fuller for them.

I'd say 清次 (Kiyotsugu), December 1943. I could be wrong about the smith, often am. You paid a normal price for WWII Type 98 gunto. Looks like you're missing a seppa or two, so that's why it's loose. You can find them online now and then. I had to buy a clump of 6 or 8 to get a couple the right size for mine. The red paint is "37" matching your fittings.

Darin, I don't understand what this picture is of. Is this from the kaigunto?

Jo James, They are looking for a bare blade photo with the following measurements: Also, a couple close shots of the blade body showing hamon (temper pattern) and blade tip are helpful.