John C

Steve: The first kanji looks a bit like tsuru, or crane. Are there carved cranes on the piece? John C.

Ron: For what it's worth, I'm also seeing Kanekage. John C.

Indeed. I looked in the "Japanese Art Names" book under metalworkers for Kaneame and he wasn't listed, unfortunately. John C.

Hello Detlev: The longer writing is the date: Showa 17 (1942). The side with just two kanji is the swordsmith Kane + sumi. This would be his art name. Markus Sesko has two listed for the Showa era. I'm guessing that yours is the second one, since your sword is not traditionally made (the first Kanesumi listed was an RJT smith who made traditionally made swords.) John C.

BP: Is the blade signed/can we see the nakago? The mounts looks as if they are either late war or have been reconditioned at some point. The metal fittings are somewhat rough cast, the ito wrap has been put through the tsuka (like a traditional samurai sword, though not military), and the tsuka skin seems to be celluloid. In addition, the leather is in decent condition. If untouched, this was probably carried very late in the war as it uses parts typically seen on late war swords. The tassel seems to be all brown, which are typically navy. Other possibilities are that is is after market or is the type used on Gunzoku swords. This may also explain the fittings. In any case, a look at the nakago will tell us more. John C.

Johan: Frome those pics, it looks like a legit type 98. You might look at the area marked in the pic for a mekugi. It would ba an unusual place, but could be. You could also try peeking under some of the wrap to see if it is hidden. John C.

Kanesumi 1942. The black numbers are 495 something. The stamp is the Seki inspection stamp. John C.

Steve: I had originally come up with ame (rain) as well, however I didn't think it made sense. Could the two words mune (chest, heart, or spine in the context of swords) and ame (rain) have something to do with the sword itself? John C.

I think satomura kiyoyoshi is correct, however it may be pronounced Kiyoshi. 里村 (Satomura): Surname (Village/Home + Village) John C.

Les: Sorry it's not much help, however the first kanji below the ana is Mune and the third is a kao but I can't get the second. John C.

According to the "Orders and Medals of Japan" (Peterson), they appear to be the 6th and 7th class Order of the Sacred Crown (see boxed area of pic). They were bestowed on ladies who exhibited distinguished service. John C.

Google has it as Satomura Kiyoyoshi. John C.

7th class paulownia leaf - could it be from a Rising Sun medal? John C.

Looks like the name at the bottom of the second pic is something (?) mura Kiyoyoshi. John C.

Bruce: I'm sure I'll catch a bit of flack for this, however I've always felt there was more to these numbers that just "assembly" bin numbers for parts etc. There are consistent colors and number of digits used by various smiths (or arsenals, perhaps). And now you have 4 of the same number with almost all souvenirs using two digits and black paint. I still think these numbers have something to do with applying to different smiths or arsenals, possibly for pay purposes or as an identifyer for polishers. John C.