Kiipu

Lieutenant General Okada's first name was not mentioned in the article. He graduated from Osaka University in 1934 with a degree in chemical engineering. He worked for Mantetsu after graduation in a research center. In 1944, he was commissioned in the army. Captured by the Russians and did not return to Japan until 1966. When interviewed, he was 82 years old.

King, Dan. “Chatting Vets, Part VI: Subject: Lt. General Okada.” Banzai Issue 127 (November 1992): pages 300–303.

An anchor-in-circle Type 97 with a stamp on the bottom of the hilt. Very interesting. WW2 Japanese Type 97 Navy Officer Sword T97 Katana Naval Arsenal Stamp WWII

Flagging this as it has a double-stamped 昭 in sakura. Undated but signed by Amahide 天秀. Mal has a monograph about this swordsmith. WW2 Japanese T98 Army Officer Sword with Field Scabbard WWII Type 98 Katana

In the Suya 146K to 149K serial range, brass crossguards were the majority while steel was the minority. So both will show up, but just that the brass is more common. Looks OK to me. For comparison, see serial number 148224. Help with a bit of information on this type 95

I did a brief intro for guntō signatures. I covered the parts that come before and after a name. Reading Guntō Signatures For gendiatō signatures, I use Sesko's Gendaito Project to look them up. Gendaito Project

Not a dress sword, but does has a scabbard release latch mounted on the bottom of the hilt. Always thought it was interesting. A little introduction and my first kyu gunto!

The information that Trystan has provided above is about the history of the arsenal. As for the change that occurred in Type 95 arsenal jurisdictions, see Komiya sensei's post below. Short Development History of Type 95 Gunto

I have noticed small inspection marks on that side of the Type 32 blade; however, they are usually centered on the blade and not off to the side like yours. What model is your Type 32, 甲 or 乙? 甲 Blade Length: 832mm 32.75”. 乙 Blade length: 774mm 30.5”.

Very little documentation about this forge or the swordsmiths that worked there. Gendaito Kanetoshi (伊奈波鍛錬場兼利作)

That greenish-blue ito wrap was popular for civilian swords. See my comment below about these swords, many of which got drafted during the war. Inherited Sword, looking for help Identifying maker.

The highest serial number that I have with a picture is 217291.

兼元 = Kanemoto. versus 兼則 = Kanenori. 兼式 = Kanenori.

The blade and hilt is from a Type 95 Military Sword while the scabbard is from a mass produced Type 100 Sword. Sometime in fiscal year 1943, Nagoya Arsenal started mass producing the Type 100. They were made in large numbers and production even exceeded that of the Type 95. The veteran removed the scabbard retaining assembly from the handle so that the scabbard would slide all the way to the crossguard. The Type 95 locking latch protrudes beyond the crossguard and would prevent the scabbard from closing all the way. This sword is the earliest known Type 95 from Nagoya Arsenal with an unfullered blade. 関202446 Fullered blade. 関203348 Unfullered blade. Thanks for sharing Dev and good luck with the sale.

Below are some examples of the signature style as used on yours. Keep in mind, this forge used several different styles depending upon who the smith was that signed. Anchor Mon On Rinji (Type 3) Translation Help on Kai-Gunto

The mei is Inaba 伊奈波. I have some recorded with the exact same style of signature. The signatures vary considerable with these blades.

Ditto what David said above. Place the blade, sandwiched between wood blocks, in a vice near the bend and gently pull the handle toward you. Might not need to remove the handle to do this. No need to use force on this, just leverage it gently. (This only applies to blades of one-piece construction, such as bayonets or Type 25/32/95 swords.) Good luck and keep up posted.

Taylor, what exactly is that black material that is under the ito wrap on the handle made of? Is it cloth, paint, paper, electrical tape, etc.?

The source of the pictures you posted of Type 95, serial number 71, can be seen via the link below. Hope this helps. Type 95 Nco Copper Hilt

Some more that I found on an old NMB thread. Odd Mon Left Column 進藤 江副

The Bamban WWII Museum near Clark Field, Philippines, has some Japanese swords in the collection. Note the picture of a naval sword with a unique hilt. Looking for relic condition type 38 wood for museum

Maybe a poorly written ㋩海軍拵え?

The previous owner even wrote his name on the blade along with an ID number in case it got stolen. I think I will do this with all of mine as well. Great minds think alike! 小田一郎

The closest it could be is a katakana SO. The tsuba also has a 63. More than likely it is a subassembly number. ソ63

John, you never cease to amaze me. 九八式軍刀拵　山本軍刀店製作