BANGBANGSAN

One scabbard throat can see very clear X56 ,not sure was is the first digit .The other one is kind of hard to see, but the number t's there.I think Steve saw/have other example like this.

Bruce I'm with you on the screw ,it's not original to this sword.

Bruce Hers is a blueprint photo from Showa 12 year（1937）of an Electric locomotive for coal mine use, it has an SMR logo with an outer circle. Kind of like the mark on that C96.

Bruce Thanks for head up.I saw that one and place bid on it already.

Thomas I just got another photo from the sword I post ,other side had scabbard release button, and it's not in the center.

Got photo of other side handle of this sword ,it has 駐爪 already. So, what do you guys think this mark is?If not it's not "X marks for the 駐爪".

I know what 駐爪 is.I was trying to say if that is "X marks for the 駐爪". That 80's photo George post looks like the same mark on the Fuchi I post.

Messaged him, no response yet.

Thanks Thomas

What book is this?

Bruno I don't think those Gunsui to is at the same level as Mantetsu in any way. I just want to have one of this Company made Gunto from WW2 in my collection, not because of the quality of the blade or smith, just a part of wartime history.

Here you go https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/Japanese-militaria/woii-katana-help-discovering-if-authentic-what-type-475051/

Yasukuni Smith 靖國刀匠

It was sold for close to $1600

Hamish I don't think this sword was Japanese-made and issue to Japanese troops either. But, the Japanese and Chinese all called the military sword 軍刀 （Gunto/JunDao). So, It is a Gunto, just not for the IJA.

Thanks, Dan, I might try to contact him, but I had a feeling he will not reply to me.

Thomas Just a thought about the "治" mark Gunto. Many countries call the period under Japanese rule during WW2 日治時期，including 台灣（TaiWan)，新加坡(Singapore)，馬來西亞(Malaysia)and 印度尼西亞(Indonesia)etc. Is it possible the 治 could be the abbreviation 統治（Ruling）instead of 明治（Meiji) for the arsenal in occupied countries?Or even means the sword for 治安隊（public security force）use？

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Thanks Bruce!

Bruce Do you have photos for the 44 Mantetsu with the double ana?

Left vacant, only one hole on the handle.

Neil I agree with your idea, they were made for the Japanese troops stationed in Manchuria, and probably designed there. And I believe 関東軍 Kwantung Army should have most of the Mantetsu swords since they formed and stationed in Manchukuo and South Manchurian Railway Zone after the Russo-Japanese War. Starts from 1943, the Kwantung Army shipped off many troops for use in Pacifica theaters. 1945, January the Army headquarters move 13 Divisions Kwantung Army to Pacifica theaters. April, The US army took Okinawa and starting to bomb mainland Japan,7 Divisions and 1/3 equipment from Kwantung Army back to Japan for homeland defense. By the end of the war, the Kwantung Army should be surrender at all theaters. I think not many of these RS Mantetus were made, that's why they don't show up much. PS: So far,I saw only 3 datings on these, 1.your 1938(only one ) 2.1944(most),3.no date(2 or 3), nothing in between.I tend to believe it was designed /made at the late war in China for Kwantung Army. The reason some call it the late war home defense swords,maybe because it was brought back to Japan at late war(1945, April)by the Kwantung Army for homeland defense use?Just a thought.

Not sure why ,my 2 Rinji Mantetsu both have 2 holes on the tang , but one hole on the handle, I think your other 2 maybe the same. I never saw Mantetsu in regular Type 3 mount.

Neil Your 1938 Mantetsu unlike all the other Mantetsu in the same Rinji mount, has only one 目釘穴 instead of two. Also, the other Rinji Mantetsu we saw was all made in 1944 or no year on the tang, we don't see Rinji Mantetsu made in any other years but your 1938. It got me thinking, is it possible an early Mantetsu blade remount later for some reason? Trystan