robinalexander

I like the music.

Dave it was actually a question rather than 'suggestion'. Just an open question that came to me when I saw your first Wakizashi picture (Re: Shawn McDonald's post). The blade just appeared so straight that I wondered about possible shortening therefore leaving all nakago markings untouched (Showato in this case). You have ably answered that query, thank you. The link on flaws is very good tks also for that. Rob

Thanks Dave, I will read that thread but a quick question in the mean time. Would a katana ever be shortened from the kissaki end due to a fatal flaw or breakage (therefore retaining mei etc) or would that never be done? Probably a stupid question. Rob

Nice one Dave....is it possible that the first example (above) has been shortened (from katana length). From my limited experience, it seems to be a very straight blade for a Wakizashi? Rob

Thanks Bruce...so the discussion on the mounts/fittings will go on for some time I imagine. Its a great topic to explore and see other's ideas. In regard to the rarity of Showa stamped Waks, it does seem like 1:100 could be an extremely conservative estimation and it may be that they may be much more 'unique'. There hasn't been any 'flood' of showa waks onto this thread and I accept that that could be for any number of good reasons but .... seeing I have one , I will dream a little and treasure my quite rare piece of history Its getting rarer and rarer by the moment Rob

Thanks again David..very nice koshira. Personally.... no cutting practice for me. Similarly, no "swings around the man cave" with anything (except the little lady 😊) Rob

Thanks for your comment David, I understand what Chris is saying but tend to agree that the shortage of materials, late war, necessitated the call for civilian swords for active service. I'm just not clear as to why a Seki gunto smith would have made, or had a commission for, a Wakazashi blade sometime between 1935-1945 only to have had it mounted in civilian Koshirae to take to war. (excepting the combat cover of course). Interesting that the 'Bamboo Leaf' design tsuba is not common......I would like tk think it is a genuine period piece rather than a later modern addition. To return to the rarity, or not, of WW2 produced Wakizashi's ....no advance on that question at this point. Rob

Final pics....

Couple more...

Have been considering posting this for some time. I have an undated Kanemitsu Wakizashi with Sho stamp. A good sword mate mentioned that it's rare to find a Wak made during WW2 period and maybe only 1 in 100 Wak's fall into this category. I have noticed the odd mention of this on other threads but thought it could be interesting to explore just how 'rare' they may be and how many are owned by members. So if you have one, please post. Mine is an un-dated Nōshū seki jū-nin Kanemitsu saku kore. Nagasa 562 mm Nakago 210 mm Tsuka 245 mm Sori 125 mm Overall length 860 mm Not sure about the authenticity of the tsuba. Randomly picked up at auction a few years ago.

Yes Bruce, I have to wonder why so many are in v/good condition and yet ones like this still pop up from time to time. Did they even need regular replacement (?) Why did this one miss out (?)....due to cost, lack of available new parts or lack of interest from owner (?). Whatever the reason, the only thing you could 'take to the bank' is that whoever used this, carried a sword regularly for long periods at a time. Its all in the mystery 😊 Rob

I find this a fantastic (growing) reference tool...thanks Bruce.

Is it possible the tang held the owners name and that is was used in WW2? Maybe a wild guess but could explain the rough removal. Seen some horrible Mon removal jobs. Rob

My modest pair. From what I can see they are much the same as already posted with the possible exception of the hook on the platted leather hanger which has extreme wear....I'm thinking it's been around.

Yeah Dan i just find it difficult to believe that an auction house would say what they are saying

Very nice John, Never seen a mon there before but it seems more fitting to be on the side. Looks to be quite a fine (maybe light) blade? Rob

Jonathon, I think that in order for members to give you some info on what you are looking at, you will have to provide a few more pics so they have some idea about what they are looking at The blade, the kissaki (tip), the mounts (fittings) and importantly the tang ( metal bit under the handle) both sides. Rob

No problem Uwe, both you and Piers @Bugyotsujiwere very helpful in deciphering the mei which enabled me to get closer and that really helps a lot. I now understand your well meaning caution where 'less obvious' mei is concerned. I'm getting the feeling that both of you may have/had legal backgrounds or a fair degree of exposure to same Thanks again. Rob

Ahhhhh Piers thankyou. That answers so many questions that I have had for sometime (re Translation thread). Hope you keep up the good work (and Uwe 😊) Rob

Suke

2nd character Fuji or To or Do or Mura Therefore Kafuji Kato, Kado or maybe Kamura ?? Ill look at the third, it may provide a clue to the second.

Well I do like a mystery Got first character Ka The next must be at least 18 strokes!! Workin on it

Thanks Piers and Uwe, Always appreciate your responses. I will have to take your answers (Japanese figures) to Markus' kanji compendium though in order to arrive at a name in english. On that point, I often see your responses to translation requests are still in kanji and I wonder why that is....rather than just saying, or better still, adding a name like Nagamitsu? I dont wish to appear ungrateful as I am not 😊 ...just a question. Tks again Rob

Sorry guys...I should know better And apologies for indistinct pic...I didnt take that one.

This is a little tricky.....