David Flynn

It looks like the Kissaki has been re-shaped.

Gassan Sadakazu. Brother to the one in the Minatogawa Book (which is from the Shinshinto Meikan).

1941

Ed, the only reference to these early Mei, comes from Chris Bowen. I have received info from Chris saying that, his info on this comes from Token Shibata May, Showa 53 edition of Token Shibata's monthly catalog, "REI", There is an article from Okimasa's Polisher talking about his early signatures. There aren't any other documents concerning this. Token Shibata's catalogue is basically just a sales catalogue , including some relevant info on smiths. Chris, also commented that this claim was confirmed with Okimasa's nephew. To me ( also by definition) , this is hearsay. The are absolutely no other references available to confirm these claims. This reference in Token Shibata being the only one, now may not be contested. However, one must consider, why there has never been another reference?

I believe Markus acquires most of his Gendai info. from Chris. I have found his listing of Shigetsugu, is directly from Chris.

The only record of this being an early signature of Okimasa is that of Chris Bowen stating such. There is no other record, unless Chris has some direct reference material.

Naval Ranks, Lieutenant = Captain, Lieutenant Commander = Major, Commander= Lieutenant Colonel, Captain= Colonel, Comodore= Brigadier etc.

A way around this could be, I'm intending to sell this sword, open to offers. Please PM with valuations or offers.

Considering that the people who ask the value of their swords are usually beginners, this could cause problems. First, we're going on photo's, next, depending on where one lives, there are variances. I believe, it would be better to just ask for this via PM, because, as said earlier this is subjective. For an example, Say I go to all the sword and gun shows and only look for absolute bargains. I pick up a Akihisa for say, 1500 and I comment that the sword in my opinion is worth 1500! People would probably jump all over it. Then after opinions are given, the range would probably be something like, 1500 - 3500. Then there would be opinions on condition, location etc. In my opinion, it would just open a can of worms.. However, by using the Pm, the Poster, will see the differences and then make up their own mind.

I don't believe one should give valuations here. Too subjective. Via Pm, though.

My guess, Kazu uchi mono. c1550

Gendaito, are Traditional. You will never know if this was the ACTUAL sword, that was entered in the Comp. What you have is, a Traditionally made sword by a competent smith. Be happy with what you have.

Sukenao, Nidai.

Check out (under links) The Japanese Sword Index. Also, in Military Swords, look up Star Stamps.

"Time to move on". Thank you.

John, the SNLF were navy, so they didn't have Colonels.

Nambokucho, Mino Shizu, Kaneuji.

Hi Robert, does it include Oz?

I have to concur with Neil. That sword definitely appears to have an amateur clean up. Going by the colour, it looks like acid was used. I don't believe the sword is ruined. Depending on your budget, you could consider having it assessed by Woody Hall.

Japanese swords with a Star Stamp, are true Gendaito. That's it. Yes, this going round in circles.

The only thing that's really going on here is, about being able to tell the difference between a Showato and Gendaito. Stamps aside, one must learn to differentiate. Whilst discussing such, some information comes to light, however, it still comes down to one being able to examine a sword and being able to tell the difference. The only way to really learn this is, to examine as many swords as possible. As with all Nihonto, judge the blade first.

I suggest you study "What makes a true Nihonto". From there it's a matter of examining as many swords as possible. I for one don't understand what you are after? RJT were Army registered Smiths, who were contracted by the Army ( and supplied with Tamahagane) to make X amount of swords. Other than obliging the contract, the smith could make however many swords he liked. One may find two swords made by a Smith in the same year, one has a Star Stamp and the other does not. As for Emura V Nagamitsu. Both made similar swords and in a similar manner. These are true Gendaito. Because of the similarity, these two Smiths were often considered the same person. This has proven to be false. It's now time to study.

Re think, Nabokucho Taima.

Muramachi Kanabo?

There are other smiths who signed Nagamitsu, besides Ichihara Nagamitsu.