Bruce Pennington

Chansen, I checked my files and have what appears to be two Nobumitsu. One has a long mei and his blades are Showa and large Seki stamped. I think he is this one: NOBUMITSU (信光), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Fukuoka – “Chikushū-jū Sa Nobumitsu kinsaku” (筑州住左信光 謹作, “carefully made by Sa Nobumitsu from Chikuzen province”), real name Koyama Nobumitsu (小山信光), he was born on the 26th day of the second month Meiji six (明治, 1873) and studied under Fukuoka-Ishidō Koretoshi (是利), he lived in Chikuzen´s Ito (怡土), kihin-jōi (Akihide), Special Honor Seat at the 6th Shinsaku Nihontō Denrankai (新作日本刀展覧会, 1941) (see picture right) The other. like yours, used 2 kanji mei, usually with a large gap between them. His blades are all '44 & '45 made, and are Gifu & Na stamped. This is likely your guy: 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) Could I get a clear shot of that stamp at the top. It's likely a Gifu stamp.

Akira followed up, after I posted this, and also felt the kana's meaning on the blade might be different. Your idea sounds more logical, with it being on a star stamped blade. Mystery continues.

@Kiipu @BANGBANGSAN A recent discussion of the Toku stamp on a helmet on this Warrelics thread: Helmet Type 90, sheds light on the meaning of the stamp. Quoting Akira Komiya: "The letter “特” indicates “特別採用”, special acceptance, meaning it did not pass the ordinary inspection criteria but was nonetheless accepted for special reasons." As you read through the thread, he says he could not find specific criteria for failure to pass nor acceptable reasons for allowing the item through for use. Apparantly, this had been explained much earlier in a pinned thread of Nick Komiya's discussing helmets.

This guy just popped into my radar screen, but I don't know anything about him or his work. Might be worth checking. @Scogg might know more about him.

This may be true for nihoto collectors, but there are many who would appreciate that sword and likely would pay something in that price range for it. It seems shorter. Is it a waki (cutting edge less than 24")?

Ken, Good job removing the tsuka. Pretty easy, right? Since you didn't show the other side of the nakago, I assume there was no date. The larger Seki stamp was used by the quality control inspectors of the Seki Cutlery Manufacturers Association, a civilian trade group asked to weed out poorer quality blades from hurting the market's reputation. We see the stamps on blades made in 1940 - 1944, but most of them were made in 1942. So, you have a general idea of the age of your sword. You can read up on the kaigunto on this site: Navy Officers Sword - Ohmura Care and cleaning info: Japanese Sword Care - Japaneseswordindex.com

Hi Karl, I agree with all the above, and should say that I'm no expert on samurai swords (I study WWII swords), but I've seen a lot of both. I'll add to the list the cloth wrap (ito) is wrapped in the Chinese style - all twists in one direction, whereas Japanese ito alternates twist direction - and the blade has that lifeless look blades have when they've been made from one sheet of rolled steel, and the hamon (temper pattern) is artificially created. Additionally, the habaki (brass collar on the blade) is trying to look like a 2-piece habaki, but it's most likely just one piece.

Wouldn't surprise me if this was a wartime piece-together.

So, possibly both of these are tied to the buyer rather than the smith? I have that kuyomon on blades from 2 other smiths.

A 1939 Mantetsu Koa Isshin, in a thick combat saya with the "airborne", or Kite, sarute. But it went to a good man, so I miss it, but don't regret it.

Following. Would like to add this to the Stamps doc. Something I found searching, link HERE "Another interesting aspect of the Botan flower is its cultural significance. In Japan, the flower is considered a symbol of the samurai warrior class and is often depicted in art and literature. It is also associated with the annual Boys’ Day festival, where families display ornamental Botan flowers to celebrate the strength and courage of their sons. In Chinese culture, the Botan flower is a popular motif in embroidery and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. ..... Additionally, in Japanese culture, the Botan flower is considered a symbol of wealth and honor. It is often used in traditional Japanese art and is a popular motif in kimono designs. The flower is also associated with the Buddhist concept of impermanence, as its beauty is fleeting and short-lived. In Chinese culture, the Botan flower is believed to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments."

I record them all and file them. So when you see some, please let me know via p.m. or on the arsenal stamps thread.

Thanks Ray! Didn't see the Reddit post, myself. Just getting it translated for the Kokuin and Seki stamp files.

Could I get a translation of this writing on the mune of a 1942 Kaneuji, please? Found by @When Necessary on Reddit. (Thanks D!)

The Type 8 was commissioned in 1875, the 19 in 1886, and there were no changes that I am aware of through the end of WWII.

Hi Jens, welcome! I don't know about the chain, maybe someone else will. Nice looking 19, and interesting saya cover. Does it look new, like something added post-war, or is it old?

The seppa might have been added by a collector, over the years, to tighten the fittings. I don't know current polishing prices. Mine, years ago, was $100 USD per inch. I'm sure it is higher now.

Yes, that is actually what first caught my eye in the original post. But it's the same color as the haikan so I just assumed it came with the saya. Iryna, any chance of getting a clear, closer shot of the end of the saya?

A correction to the above. I realized the curve is normal, but everything else is as stated. Here's a legit one. See the difference?

@Nicholas Sorry no one has responded. I lost track of this one, too. I have a variety of yasurime on Kanefusa 23rd gen. Here are 2 taka-no-ha The others are higaki, though, like you say.

Peter, The imitators can put out some quality blades. Some are obvious, poor quality fakes, but others can be pretty well done. You have to know the real ones well enough to recognize the imitation when it pops up. Summary of signs: 1. Nakago (tang) finished poorly 2. I'm not sure but I don't think I've ever seen a blade with just the owner's name on it 3. The body of the blade has no hada, or texture, which is a sign of a blade made from bar stock, not hammered and folded in the traditional manner 4. The blade tip has errors not seen in good Japanese workmanship: Curved line should be straight. Bohi (fuller groove) extends into the kissaki, when it shouldn't A view of the whole blade should give more clues.

I see what you mean, guys. There is evidence of faint blue in the fringe strings and that bend in the strap just above the slider. I normally take a closer look, but didn't this time. Oh well, it was good to get the topic up for a refresher.

I know, John! You have to zoom in on the picture of the whole sword. You will see the white writing along the bottom of the scabbard. I didn’t see it until Thomas pointed it out.

Dang, good eye, Thomas!

I'm adding this one to this thread, but I think there is a dedicated one to the cream/brown railway police topic. I just can't find it. Don't know if this is one of them, or just a really faded army tassel, or a bad fake. But the colors are similar enough, I thought I'd post it. It's currently found on this White's Auctions page Civilian sword, no railway markings, just the tassel