IJASWORDS

Steve S, that tang you posted above is one of mine. Here are some more photos of the Koshirae with pierced Tsuba, and fairly rare, mint, painted wood Saya. No date, no stamps.

Bruce, see does this WW2 advertisement help?

Boogie (name?), if you go back to July 27, look for the thread on Help with ... Kunimori, you will get some good information.

Nice! All the examples you show have the SUI, (the S) flowing water, open ended. Especially the Shrine and official Navy insignia. A minor detail I know, but maybe a guide to identifying poor reproductions?

Bruce, all the kikusui mons you showed were carved on the nakago, not habaki, which is the subject of discussion. And show me where one has the "S" shaped sui which is closed at the ends. Anyone with Wallinga's book has seen these. Now show some of your habaki photos with a the kikusui mon that may add to the investigation. The sword being discussed doesn't have a mom on the nakago, where there can be a variation.

Tom, you sure are right asking if a sword talk. Many swords made from Yasuki steel can't be told apart from Tamahagane. Thanks for the photos. By the way, I never insinuated blade was fake.

Since seeing this sword, it got my investigative juices flowing. I think it could be an interesting special order sword. The following is speculation, but with some documented evidence. It was made in 1941 for Mr Haruto Kudo, a key metallurgist/engineer at the Yasuki Steel Production Co. At this juncture, early on in the war, Japan was gearing up to go to war with America. Yasuki were promoting their mill steel for use in sword making, and gave samples to various sword smiths for promotion and testing. Some oshigata promoting this steel is attached. So I speculate that Michimasa made this sword using Yasuki mill steel (not tamahagne) for Mr Haruto Kudo, probably at the time in Shira-Saya, as a promotional sample or a commissioned work. It is only logical that the chief of a steel company would have it made from his own steel.

Brian is, as usual, correct. I started the controversy by commenting on what I saw was a (being diplomatic) questionable Habaki. As a collector and student of Minatogawa Jinja blades, it naturally stood out, and was worthy of comment. I never used fake, fraud or anything inflammatory. We are here to show discuss study and importantly learn from others, especially those more knowledgeable. The information in your first post about Masatada was historically correct, and interesting. And Tom W is correct, that it is very difficult judging a blade from photos. I have been offered FAKE Masataka and Masatada blades recently, and as their value increases more will surface. I have a rule now that if I am interested in a Minatogawa or Yasukuni sword now, it must have been papered. Tom, I would love to see more photos of Koshirae, especially the tzuka. It is described as being rare, so seeing more of it would be enlightening.

Only number 24 stamped on Mune.

Bruce, here's one for you. Star stamp ENDO TOMONARI, July 1944.

Gee, that must be old. Made even before they learned how to make a proper Habaki, with proper Kikusui mon. A 1942 and 1943 for comparison.

They are silvered, and the Saya is the usual colour that goes with them. It is an uncommon find, so please don't restore or paint.

Please don't forget that there were a few undocumented models, similar to the RS that showed up from 1944 onward. In most respects quite unique, for example.... 1. Although the Kabutogane looks the same as the RS, the Sarute hole is about half the diameter of the RS model. 2. The handle wrap is the same style as an RS, but ranges from yellow /orange to orange /brown in colour. Some times the menuki is fully covered. 3. The menuki are brass. 4. The Same under the wrap is a painted tape wrapped around the handle. 5. The Fuchi, and Saya throat fittings are pressed brass with no markings. 6. Blades have one Mekugi-Ana. 7. Quite a few have Katsumasa blades. I have 3, and have seen others, whilst they are not pretty, and a bit rough, I have an interest in rare and unusual Gunto.

Just love the original red paint on these. Beautiful contrast against the gold.

Bruce, there was a thread, that's where I learnt it was for a tassel. Secondly, I have seen that loop on a regular '98.

This is how they look assembled.

Trystan, good question about the metal loop on the tsuba. The only way I have been able to attach the tassel...... Take off the sarute Pull the tassel through the metal loop with string or fishing line Tie the tassel onto the sarute Re-attach the sarute onto the tzuka. Voila!!! And to be honest, the tassel looks very smart done like this.

Matt H, thanks for posting your examples. There are subtle differences in stamps and knurling. Here's one, no stamps no knurling.

I have continued to attempt to track down WW2 references to the Iida latch and it's maker. This maybe a reference. Maybe Trystan or Kipu could determine if this WW2 advertisement relates to Iida.

Bruce, if you enlarge the bottom right hand corners of the extended drag, you will see a makers logo..... a "W" in a triangle. Here is a WW2 advertisement for the company.

A couple more.

Go to "show us your high class gunto", maybe the thread you are looking for. Please show the Nakago and signature.

Adam, Adam, Adam...... I collect Showa-To even with patina and rust (which you stabilize with oil). You don't stuff up historical pieces. I think a holiday is in order. Find another forum that may appreciate your advice.

Chris, it is amazing how many WW2 photos show swords with white cloth covered tsuka. Not many survive today. This one has yellowed with age and use.

Adam, here is a similar outfit, same dark lacquer Saya, a fitted hanger and complete leather combat cover. BUT with military fittings. This has an unstamped mumei blade. I think yours is a put-together, it should have military fittings.