John C

Here you go, if you want to start the doc. John C.

Yes. They are the exact same one. The masking tape on the saya and the scratches on the blade match up perfectly. That's how I noticed the cord wrap to begin with. John C.

I agree with some of you who have made a distinction between literacy and signing a mei. Just from personal experience, I have know MANY documented and undocumented aliens who could not read or write their own language but who had some of the most beautiful and elaborate signatures. John C.

Looks like the end of the nakago below the mekugi-ana has been welded on. Could the stamp have to do with a repair? John C.

Dan: I noticed the chart does not list priests. Where do they fall on that chart? In many cultures, priests could read and write when commoners could not. Weren't some swords made at shrines? Just spitballing at some possibilities. John C.

@Bruce Pennington: Bruce: I’m trying to figure out the difference between number 3 and number 6 in the chart below in practical terms. Both Ohmura and Richard Stein note differences, however they do not provide examples. Do we have any examples of the differences between Koa Isshin and Mantetsu-to that we can look at? Thank you, From Ohmura: The sword which Mantetsu made is classifiable into the following three sorts. 1 The blade before being named "Kōa Issin". This blade has only Mantetsu's trademark stamp in a Tang. 2 A blade with "Kōa-Issin" Mei named the Kōa-Issin sword . 3 A blade with the stamp of the "Nan" of a Nanman Arsenal, and the stamp of "Ren" of a Nanman Arsenal Dalian factory. There is no Mei of "Kōa Issin" in this blade. The blade made in Nanman Arsenal from the middle of 1943 is seemed. The difference in these three sorts of blades is not known. From Richard Stein: Many swordsmiths were involved in the production of Mantetsu blades and used the "Koa Isshin Mantetsu" mei, hence it is important to judge each blade on its individual merits, not just on its signature.

Of courseThat's what I get for not paying attention in science class! BTW, the magnet did stick so I guess it's steel. Stuck to the bolts in my neck as well...not sure what that means, though. John C.

Thomas: Thank you for the link. I noticed the Ashi on that saya is the same design as mine as well. Would it be worth trying to get the tsuka rewrapped by a professional or just leave alone? I know Bruce has some references. John C.

Definitely metal covered wood. Feels a bit too heavy to be aluminum. There is a patch that is rusted more like a ferrous metal. Is there any way other than weight for me to tell? John C.

Thomas: This picture illustrates why I believe the tsuka has been rewrapped (or I suppose replaced). The section on the right is the original condition. You can see the same and cord wrap with exposed chuso. The section on the left is the way it is now with the green ito covering the same and the chuso. John C.

Okay. Now I see what you mean (I think). The way the ito is tied around the ishizuki? John C.

I did. He was unaware of the change. He purchased the sword with the green ito wrap already applied. We actually discussed the sword at length. John C.

John: I have seen the Manchurian version somewhere. But I think the kabutogane for this sword is a rewrapped replacement of a type 98. Note how the sword was originally sold in July 2022 at auction with a cord or cane wrap. Some time over the past 7 months before my purchase, it had been "refurbished." John C.

Some pics of the mantetsu I just acquired. Note that the ito wrap and menuki are refurbished/reproduction. Serial number has been recorded. John C.

Sure. I can put them on the mantetsu thread. We have the serial number recorded already. John C.

Not real close but could it be a variation of the Toyoda mark (top left in picture)? John C.

Agreed. I too remember a discussion but I couldn't find it. F&G shows some variation, however they are line drawings and not much use. John C.

Mike: That's interesting. I have the exact same set-up on a 1944 Kanehide gendaito. All tosogu marked with the number 80 except the koiguchi marked with the roman numeral viii. Painted assembly numbers differ, however. John C.

Could this be the "trademark" of high-end manufacturer? Kind of like the Burberry or Louis Vuitton of military products. John C.

John: Thank you for the response. These came off of a mantetsu I just picked up, which I know has a rewrapped tsuka and reproduction menuki so I started to question the other parts as well. The Ashi hanger bothered me particularly as it doesn't look like others I had seen. John C.

Hello: I would like to ask for your opinions on these parts. I do not have enough experience looking at these to say for sure. My suspicions are these are all reproductions, however I would appreciate everyone's take on them. The ashi has flower stamen that are not staggered. The tsuba just looks like a rough casting and too shallow (it varies from 6.03 to 6.98mm in thickness). Thank you for taking a look. John C.

Hello guys: The seller of this tanto says it may be a tribute blade, made during Showa era, to Munechika. But I cannot make out the right side. I appreciate the help. Thank you, John C.

Agreed. Denatured alcohol works just as well on lacquer. John C.

Matt at sohei-swords perhaps? John C.

Thanks. I'll take a look. Maybe the benzene helps break down the old varnish layer (?). Though I suspect the dirt is fairly recent given the seller. John C.