John C

Thank you everyone for the input. Yes, Mal I have most of those and about a dozen more. The one I didn't have is the pic of the 1940 mei that is very similar to the OP tanto. From what I could see, he had a certain style in 1940 prior to the RJT program. He changed his Kane character during the program then reverted back to his 1940 style until his death. I don't, however, have any examples from his 1954 to 1973 period so there is an information gap there. Much appreciated, John C.

Thank you for your opinion, Dee. I appreciate the help. John C.

Dee: Yes on the assumptions. I have pulled over 24 examples of Kanehide's mei - 18 war time RJT and 2 pre-RJT and 4 post war. The pre and post war use the same style of kanji for Kane (the OP pic top), while the RJT blades all use the same style you have listed above. The NTHK tanto, which I assumed was post war anyway, is a completely different style. The kanteisho only notes "showa period". In your opinion, is the blade still a nice blade assuming it's actually gimei? John C.

I know...here we go again. But please bear with me. I've done some research before asking. The lower part of the pic is of a Kanehide papered blade by the NTHK. The upper part is what is typical of Kanehide's post-war mei (I have pulled and cataloged 24 examples of his mei with the upper one in the pic being post-war typical). Striking differences, which makes me question the validity of the evaluation. Note the 4 "tick" marks in the Kane character. This is the only time I have seen this. As well as the straight "J" mark in Hide. (Sorry for butchering the terminology). Opinions please. John C.

@Bruce Pennington @Conway S @PNSSHOGUN Are there any pictures of these folks standing together? Just thinking they may have helped each other or have been students of one another. Pictures of them being together may explain some of it. John C.

Derek and D: Please do not belittle another member. As a former educator, I can say that people learn in different ways and at their own pace. If someone isn't learning at the rate you think is acceptable, then Steve is right - just use the ignore button. That's why it's there. And as for posting swords one is interested in, I cannot count the number of times someone has said after a bad purchase "they should have posted here first." Just my two cents as someone who has seen this type of denigration far too many times. 'Nuff said. John C.

I have not seen this before, however the sword itself looks legit. https://www.ebay.com/itm/167833814915? John C.

Hello: Was this style of mei specific to this prefecture or a particular arsenal? The smiths are different but the style is similar. Thank you, John C.

Marcin: Does that say "final offer" 4 euros? That seems about right. John C.

Tom: Here is the reference from Markus Sesko for the information you have: YOSHIKANE (吉包), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Yamagata – “Ugo Sakata-jū Ikeda Yoshikane saku” (羽後酒田住 池田吉包作), real name Ikeda Kaneyoshi (池田金吉) The sword is dated October 1943. Malcolm Cox has a little info in his Aichi Prefecture document, page 13 (if it is the same person). John C.

D: Markus Sesko has a book on cursive script. This may help if you don't alredy have it. https://www.amazon.com/Identifying-Japanese-Cursive-Script-Markus/dp/1291610219/ref=sr_1_10? John C.

For those who want to plan their attendance... https://www.vegasswordshow.com Question: Does anyone know if there will be a shinsa at this show???? John C.

Steve: Eric has a Tadatsugu gendaito kaigunto for 3,750. https://www.ebay.com/itm/286811740594? John C.

For insurance purposes? Start with what you know about the sword - it's a souvenir from 1946-1952 (with what appears to be a war surplus blade). Next, what you may have paid for the sword and compare to recent sales of the same item. Insurance companies generally cover fair market value, so comparative sales. John C.

@Bruce Pennington Did you notice the hyotan mark on the nakago jiri? John C.

Mark I imagine this is a matter of preference. According to this source, it's a sign of a "tired" blade. I would think that age, rarity, and smith play a larger part in value. But some may consider it a deal breaker. John C.

Hello Rebecca: Since these swords are really just PX items sold after the war, they do not hold the value of a war-time sword or a real samurai sword. But one suggestion I have would be to go onto Ebay and search the COMPLETED auctions for souvenir swords and kaigunto. The problem is that MANY folks out there do not know that this is a souvenir and they incorrectly label it as a kaigunto or Naval Sword. You would need to read Bruce's article and examine the differences when searching. Regards, John C.

Steve: For 3.5k I would rather have a legit KJT. Yoshiteru, Kanenari, Tadatsugu, Mitsuyasu, Kaneyoshi all made traditional swords for the Navy. John C.

I've given my wife your info so she'll have a resource when I shed this mortal coil. I'll send you my wife's name so you don't think she's scamming you!!! John C.

Barry: Tenno "The Emperor" or "heavenly Sovereign" John C.

Joris: I believe Marcin is correct. Fittings are easy to get and the handle has been rewrapped. We have a saying: "buy the blade", meaning studying the blade should come before looking at the fittings. Damascus type pattern, odd carvings, oddly shaped nakago, oddly shaped kanji, and the Chinese style of ito wrap are good indicators of something made in China for the tourist market. But if the fittings are real, then at least you do have something to display. John C.

For traditional kai gunto, I would read Malcolm Cox's excellent manuscripts on Naval Part 1 (updated) and Naval Part 2 (updated) in the Downloads section. Focus specifically on KJT smiths, the navy equivalent of an RJT (some were both). Once you get a list of names, you can search for just those smiths when hunting for swords. John C.

Steve: In my opinion, 3.5k for this sword is too much (unless the blade could paper as something special, which I don't believe it could). The area around the boshi looks like it has seen a grinder (see pic). The description is hopeful at best. "High ranking" officer? What gives that impression? Koto blade? Again, how is he coming to that conclusion? Never mind the poor grammar and low feedback. A separate question would be to figure out what your collecting goals are. Genuine WWII item with a WWII made blade or an older samurai-era blade that has just happened to be repurposed in WWII koshirae. John C.

That was my first thought as well, Bruce. Late war legit with the celluloid handle. Without the mekugi, how were the tsuka attached? Pommel screw? I agree as well that it might be one of the souvenirs we haven't seen. Maybe a shot of the tang would tell us more if the handle could be removed. John C.

@Scogg @Bruce Pennington This might be better served in the Wanted to Buy section. John C.