Fusilier

Final image is the opposite side of the blade from the strike mark.

Close ups of the impact mark. I haven't tried to remove the leather saya cover to inspect the damage on the wooden body but I can feel the shape through the leather. Also attached an image of the inscription.

G'day Fella's, I have two questions about this sword which I'm hoping you can help me with. I purchased it for resale over a decade ago from a retired NSW Police Superintendent. He believed that the blade had been struck by a bullet, but I'm not sure. I think if it'd had been hit by a HV round the blade would have shattered and a LV round would not have resulted in the sort of damage that is visible on the blade. The shape of the impact mark and the angle of the strike on the saya and blade indicate that if it was being carried at the time it was struck then the impact came from above and at an angle. That, and the shape of the impact mark, lead me to believe that its a shrapnel impact. Although I served for 3 decades I'm not going to claim any specialist knowledge of forensic ballistics other than the application of common sense. I was hoping that someone may have seen this sort of damage before or even a recorded HV strike on a gunto for reference. Although it is difficult to show in photographs, the impact has visibly and slightly 'bulged' the opposite side of the blade. My second question is far more mundane and obvious. I was hoping someone might be able to translate the inscription on the nakago. I can see a partial Seki stamp above the inscription which I understand indicates it was produced between 1940 and 1942 but any other information would be most welcome.

Thanks mate, that is super helpful and very much appreciated.

Thanks Matt, Is this sword also Meiō era, like the one in the reference you posted?

G'day Everyone, I purchased this sword recently along with a US M1 Bayonet from the family of a nurse who during WW2 worked at a US Military Hospital in Townsville in Queensland. She told her family that she'd been given the bayonet as a Valentines Day gift in 1945 but her grandson had no idea how she acquired the sword. I'd be grateful for any information that you fella's can glean from the photo's.

Thanks Piers, much appreciated

Thanks mate, I think I've found the clan which appears to be Li or 井伊氏

I've found this family mon belonging to the Li Clan. Any thoughts?

G'day Guys, I was hoping that someone may know something about what I believe is a family 'mon' embossed onto the hilt of this fairly ordinary Parade Sabre I recently purchased with the intention of listing. I realise it's a bit of a long shot, but nevertheless felt it was probably worth asking the question. Cheers David

Thanks John, That's definitely the one. I suspect, but I suppose we will never know, that it was attached as its the most basic (and cheapest) sword knot you could find. I suppose, its possible the original Japanese owner came across one, in the Philipines or the like, but I doubt it. I've said it before, and it bears repeating, the breadth of knowledge and experience on this site and the members generous approach to sharing it, are unparalleled. With reference to the smith Kanemune. I've attempted to research him and have found an arsenal sword smith from Seki in Gifu prefecturea called Kanemune, son of Fukumoto Amahide. It seems he worked with and signed many works for his father and is reported to have made both gendai and Showato blades. He's also reported to have used a ‘Chimata’ stamp which I believe may indicate that the maker was a member of the Gifu Sword Maker's Guild although I cant see evidence of it on this blade. Do you know any more? Thanks again Mate. Cheers David

I think you might be onto something there, it certainly looks very similar, where does that photo and sword originate from ?

Thanks John, the tassel is clearly old, but I've not seen anything like it before. That said, like you, I'm not an expert on them. Hopefully someone will know. Cheers David

Thanks Jan, Really appreciate that. That date would indicate that King picked up this sword after the Kokoda Campaign. Cheers David

A few more:

G'day Guy's I recently purchased this Showa era Gunto with the intention of listing it. I was approached by the owner who'd been given it by an old neighbour and now wanted to sell it. He told me that his neighbor, when he was growing up, had served with the 55/53rd Battalion, 2AIF in New Guniea during WW2 and had picked up the sword then. He knew the ex-digger as 'Mr King', and thinks his first name was 'Norm' but wasn't sure. Apparently he used to tell the seller stories about the Kokoda Track, and when he was taken into care he gave the sword to the seller as he: "didn't want any old thieving F***** getting it when he karked it". I'd be grateful for any information anyone may have on either the sword or Mr King. Unfortunately, the Australian National Archives - NameSearch function isn't working at the moment as that would have been my first port of call. If anyone can tell me what the inscriptions are and what the showa stamp indicates? I'd also be interested on information on the leather sword knot and whether its an indicator of rank or such like.

Happy for you to DM me mate.

G'day Bruce, Sam, Colin, Alex, Thank you very much again. I feel much more confident selling a sword when I at least know that its genuine and have an indicator as to its provenance. That said, you guys have certainly stimulated an interest in the field for this tired old bayonet collector and I have to admit to buying two books on the subject. I'm about a third of the way through the one by Gregory Irvine and will then start the Kapp & Yoshihara one. I only started buying these blades when I came across them on my hunts for bayonets, but once you start seeing them, you start seeing them, if you know what I mean. Anyway, hugely grateful for your help as usual. Cheers David

Thanks Bruce, Always value yours and others knowledge. I don't know if you've managed to have a dekko at the second sword or whether you are able to judge its age or provenance from the pictures. Its much shorter than most of the swords I've come across before but I'm not sure if its a wakizashi or not.

Or is it the same as Paul G's translation from the sword in your link?

Cheers John, Conway, Any idea what the script on the other side of the nakago might say?

Here's pictures of the other sword I purchased to sell. Any information you may have especially with regards to age and provenance would be very gratefully received.