Bruce Pennington

Thought I'd try a hand-written kanji I.D. page I got a while back from Guy Powers over on Warrelics. It recommended "hisa" Kanji.sljfaq.org So, Kanehisa? 兼久 (Kanehisa)

It's one of the worst mei I've ever seen. Other ideas: 菊秀 (Kikuhide) 藤房 (Katsufusa @SteveM - stop hiding, buddy!

I got confused. Is the thicker one also longer of the two? Usually, Takayama-to are shorter than the norm.

Marcel, Thank you very much for bringing this to our attention! I got a big education today from this. We have been aware for some time, now, that swords were made "in the islands" for collaboration forces, and the Java sword making operation was fairly well known. Sumaran Sword - Java. But I had no real idea of the operations in Sumatra. I found this in-depth article written on the creation of the Giyugun. Here is a quote about the 2 forces: "After successfully occupying various regions, the next strategy carried out by the Japanese military government was by holding military training to support Japan in the war against allies. The army to be made by Japan is included in the master plan (Tairikhushi) issued by Supreme Army Headquarters in Tokyo. In early 1943, Japanese military forces suffered a setback. Japan's position in the occupied area experienced various threats. So that the plan for the formation of a reserve army cannot be delayed anymore. Japan then recruited military and semi-military personnel who were indigenous people who would help Japan in the war against allies [8]. Japan then recruited thousands of indigenous youth to become semi-military soldiers. The first military force was formed, heiho (auxiliary soldier), which began in mid-May 1943. The young man who was a member of Heiho was a single young man from the ages of 16 to 20 years. Another Japanese military army formation project is Giyugun which means, giyu = voluntary, gun = army corps. Giyugun is a Voluntary Army Corps. In Java, the term used is Defender of the Motherland (PETA). Giyugun in Sumatra and PETA in Java, although they are the same military command but have no organizational links at all. In some residencies in Sumatra almost had their military training centre [9]." As for the writing on your sword, I'm no Japanese language guy, but it doesn't look like Japanese to my eye. Is there anyone in your area that might recognize this as Sumatran writing from the war? For reference, for those of us that don't know the area and history: Attached article below: Sumatra Giyugun Creation.pdf

Thanks for the reminder, guys, on this stamp. I had never added it to the Stamps doc. I had that blade in the "W" discussion, but not under the shop name. Added to next year's update.

Think that was a line from a Beatle's song Having trouble with this one. Can someone ID this guy for me? Thanks. 1942, but who?

Might be the sun. I half expected a crescent moon on the other side. I have seen both, as well as star configurations on habaki. Thanks for the added photos!

Nice one, Ed! All brown Gunzoku tassel.

right side up: Maybe 則宗 Norimune?

Wartime sword that likely had a damaged tsuka (handle). Someone along the way crafted a new wooden handle, but kept the Army kabutogane (end cap).

I'm often frustrated doing searches, too. Guys will post nakago shots, but not post overall pictures of the sword. I've gotten into the habit of asking for additional fittings shots on blades that I want to file. I haven't been through them all, but there are 22 pages that come up when you search Emura on NMB. Here's one in civil saya. However 80 years after the war, there is no way to know if it was original or a post-war refit:

Pre Covid, you'd pay $2,400 for just one intact kaigunto. Haven't kept up with the market on them today, though. With both having custom rayskin saya cover, I'd say the price is great!

Photo added for the discussion. Suya stamped definitely double struck. Saya has the horse shoe shaped end for those who watch those things:

Ok! Well, learned something today. So, what about Marcin's gunto? Marcin, do you have a width of the tsuba?

Yes, plus there were two Nagamitsu making blades during the war. I thought @mecox had an article on them, but after checking, it was Nobumitsu he wrote about.

Thanks, Thomas! They must have gotten the contract for making the Taiwan swords. Here's the Fuller example you mentioned:

Angus, Just curious as to what design is on the other side of the habaki?

Hi Julie! I think you are right that this saya (scabbard) was originally leather covered. With a 1940 date, the blade was made too early to see a star stamp. My earliest on record is Feb, 1941. Did you slide the brass collar, habaki, down? Sometimes a stamp can be hidden underneath. Either way, it might help if you post a couple of close-ups of the blade, showing the hamon (temper line). Sometimes guys can tell if it was traditionally made by the way it looks.

Thanks Thomas! This shop seems to have had a variety of logo and markings. On a dirk: On a sword of some kind (kyugunto?) and now this one.

Agreed. Very nice police saber, Emil. I like it!

Marcin, I was traveling all yesterday. I assume John was just as busy, and he's the guy to ask for sure. An off-set chuso, as I understand, would put this into the 98 category. I've seen 98's with centered chuso, but I don't think I've seen 94's with off-set ones. John will clear it up for us. @PNSSHOGUN

I thought this was an interesting variation. They put a, for lack of a better term, reinforcement band past the haikan. Found on this Wehrmact-awards thread.

Thanks, Sam, haven't seen that one. We should be able to get a read on that from @Kiipu or @SteveM

They had suggestions for the same problem, here: Be sure to get a good Japanese sword cleaning kit. They are easy to find online for around $13. Here's a link for care and cleaning: Japanese Sword Care

Thanks, Tobi. Sam records/tracks the numbers. Search online and you can get for around $13 a good Japanese sword cleaning kit. An oiled rag will clean most of the parts and improve the look of your whole sword. Here is a link to care and cleaning: Japanese Sword Care