Bruce Pennington

Kevin, here's what I found on the family crest, "kamon" or "mon" on your gunto: Description Maruni sumitate yotsume (丸に隅立四目), mon of the Shinozuka clan.

Excellent article by Ohmura-san on the Mantestu factory: http://ohmura-study.net/998.html Ohmura-san page with pics of the Mantesu-to with Koa Isshin slogan, just like yours (and mine!): http://ohmura-study.net/712.html The Mantesu blade was made with Manchurian steel, was researched thoroughly, and was a high-quality blade; hardest edge rating, yet able to not break in freezing conditions. In tests, it went through chain-mail and body armor.

I only have one gunto with celluloid same, and it is Type 3. I've really appreciated this discussion, since I had assumed the "fake" same was something placed there post-war to patch up or repair a damaged tsuka. Nice to know it's original! I've followed the discussions of the term, Type 3, and feel it is simply a term commonly agreed on for communication purposes. Sure, it's not an original war term, but lacking one, we all benefit from having a recognized label so everyone knows what everyone else is talking about. Isn't that all language is anyway?

Interesting update, I just got back from a Japan trip and showed the image to 4 Japanese flight crew. None of them recognized it. So it must be a manufacturer's symbol.

Daniel, you'll find a lot of information on the kyu-gunto at the Ohmura site, http://ohmura-study.net/771.html. They are beautiful swords and you will find people who collect them. I don't understand why they sell for so much less than the combat swords, but I've found them in the $400 range. If you are beginning to collect war swords, yours is a good one to start with!

just picked up an old blade mounted in Navy koshirae. One of the seppa has an unusual stamp. Guys at another site think it is a manufacturer's stamp, and even had a removable Type 94 belt hanger with the same stamp. Any ideas?

Steve, that might make sense, even with the Type 94 second hanger. It could be marking the piece (seppa or hanger) that is lower than the other one!

I really enjoy my Type 3, Aprl 1945, mei Suke Kuni. It has a very beautiful blade.

Sorry, pic didn't come up. I'll try again.

I've recently picked up a Navy gunto with an old blade, probably pre-1599. One of the seppas has a mark I can't find a translation for. Anyone recognize this charactor?