David Flynn

I think it must come down to this. If a sword has a showa or seki stamp, it will not pass shinsa and be issued with origami. If one likes the sword and it doesn't matter to one if it may recieve origami, fine. If one is collecting Gendai, then swords with these stamps are to be avoided. So back to my original question. Does the sword by Kanemichi listed on ebay as "Traditionaly made", with a Showa stamp rate as a Gendai? I believe not.

Avoid Seki blades, seems a bit derogatory. e.g. Wantanabe Kanenaga, Nakata Kanehide and Kuwayama Kanetaka who were definately Gendai Smiths, Used Seki in their inscriptions.

It still comes down to this point, is the sword being advertised, a Gendai or not? I personally believe, if the sword has a Shower or Seki stamp, then NO. I am also under the impression that, except for the Tatara at the Yasukuni Shrine, there was hardly any Tamahagane available and that many of the swordsmiths (e.g. Yoshichicka) made their own steel. The swords made by these smiths(not using Tamahagane) without stamps, are still classed as Gendai/ traditional swords. i.e. Hada, Hamon and Hataraki.

G'day Jerome, welcome to the forum.

This sword is being sold on ebay by Some one who is a member of this forum. The ad states it is a traditional Gendai, even though it has a Showa stamp. Any thoughts? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT

G'day Niclas, welcome to the forum and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Just said Japanese sword. The dealer was Sokendo.

The EMS ban, is supposedly from Japan only. I say supposedly, because I bought a sword at the DTI in Japan last Nov. and was told it would have to be sent Fedex because of the EMS Japan airlines ban. When the sword finnaly arrived(just before Christmas), It was by way of EMS!

I believe Yoshihara Kuniie, was one of the so called collectors for the army. I believe there was an article on this in the JSSUS.

Keith, as mentioned earlier, USPS EMS is the easiest and cheapest. It has tracking and Insurance. I have had a few sords sent between the US and Oz and highly recommend that service.

I have seen pre war Gendai with original Showa made fittings ( and very nice they were too!),not the mass produced showa fittings one finds on most civilian mounted war swords. Again, I say there is nothing wrong with mounting a Gendai with nice fittings. The only problem is the outlay V the return. Of course if one doesn't have any intention of selling, then go for it. The only difference between a Gendai and a Samurai sword, is the period of manufacture.

Jaimie, it's not just the price of having the sword mounted, it's also the price of the fittings. Of course, this depends on the quality of the fittings as well. Some Iaido people have gunto, remounted civilian style, with reproduction fittings. This is fine for a gunto, though I believe it would cheapen a nice Gendai.

There is nothing wrong with mounting a gendai in antique mounts. What needs to be taken into consideration though, is the cost V return. Unfortunately a antique mounted Gendai, will not return the costs involved.

I think that obtaining an origami for an en suite koshirae is a good idea, as it identifies it as such. Adhoch koshirae is a different matter. If one wants origami for this, then it's probably best for the idividual parts. Though more expensive.

From the way it's signed, there is a big chance that it is Kazu Uchi Mono. These swords being "mass produced," are usually not attributed to one particular Sukesada.

G'day Lionel and welcome. Plenty of info on here about Gunto. The Uk people will probably help you out with dealers over there. Godd luck.

Post a copy of the papers here, I'm sure they will be translated for you.

Went cheap!

G'day Jim, welcome and good luck with your project.

Stephen, many Australians, Americans , British, Canadians and Asians of different Nationalities, don't see any honour in the Japanese sword, only reminders, Unfortuately. Fortunately though, many of the above, have come to realise the beauty of the Japanese sword and appreciate them, for their artistic value. However, there is a difference between appreciation and honour.

I'm in two minds. War what is it good for? Absolutely nothing (to quote a song). First mind, the vanquished always suffer, even when things improve later. Second. My father and uncle fought against the Japanese with many stories being told. I remember that my older brother was chastied for practicing Japanese martial arts (Judo and Karate), in the 50s and my mother never reconciled herself with the Japanese ever. Saying all that, if it hadn't been for the war, I wouldn't be a collector. I admire the Japanese and many aspects of their culture. I have visited Japan and would love to return. This also reminds me of a Fawly Towers episode, titled, The Germans. The Theme, don't mention the War.

Looking at this sword, if it didn't state made in Hong Kong, how would you know? If it recieved Hozon paper, then the NBTHK considers this to be Gendaito.

I'll go for both genuine, unless they were faked by the same smith :?

Welcome Steven, There is a wealth of iformation to be had from this forum. Let us know your interests.

It was not made as an Iato, it was originally a fully functional Gunto(army sword). It has a showa stamp on the tang, indicating it was made before 1942. Someone has converted it since the war(probably for Iaido or Kenjutsu practice).