Is my Katana Authentic? Please Help!

[Boywhocouldfly]

Hello, I have a sword that I'm trying to identify. It has very few markings. I have had it for about 30 years but don't know anything about it before that. I'll post some photos. here's what I do know;

- the blade has an obvious hamon

- the only stamp on the tang is an "anchor"

- below the anchor is a very faded character that I have tried to photograph. it is obviously not stamped but written

- the Habaki does not have a "notch" like most of the authentic ones I've seen. it also appears to be a different type of metal as it is not rusty, possibly silver

- the habaki as a few lines/marks on one end that look like they were put there on purpose

- the top plate attached to the part with the floral print (Fuchi I think it's called) has two English numbers stamped in it, an "8" and a "5". I have seen other authentic swords with English numbers stamped here

-besides the blade itself I have 4 other parts that I believe are original to this knife. the biggest part (Tsuba I think) is very heavy and rusty, possibly iron.

 

Can anyone help? Any ideas? Please let me know. Thanks so much,

Andrew

[mdiddy]

Hello,

 

Your katana is authentic. It is from a WWII Kai Gunto (Japanese Naval Officer's sword). The anchor stamp indicates it is made of stainless steel. The squared end of the tang indicates it is likely late-war produced. Most likely the hamon is artificial and the sword was not tempered. In summation it is authentic, but late war and lower quality.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Matt

[Boywhocouldfly]

Wow, thanks Matt, good to know. Why would you say the Hamon is artificial? Obviously it's not in great shape but can you estimate the value of this piece?

[Brian]

These stainless steel blades made for the navy could not be properly folded and hardened, so incapable of forming a proper hamon. They were made for their rust resistance.

You only have the blade really, the rest of the main fittings are missing? Therefore I would guess you only have a couple of hundred dollars there at best.

 

Brian

[Boywhocouldfly]

Thanks for the info. Can anyone read the character under the anchor? Any idea what it means? Also, the end may not be square as it does appear to be broken (or at least not straight)

[Mark]

the black writing (if that is what you are asking about) says 85, it is an assembly number used when mass produced blades are assembled in a "factory", used to keep all parts together, that is why your parts are stamped #85

[Kiipu]

Tenshōzan souvenir sword number 八五.

@Bruce Pennington

[ROKUJURO]

It is difficult to see, but I have the impression that HAMACHI and MUNEMACHI do not align. Was that done in Japan at all?

[Bruce Pennington]

I see what you mean, Jean, but it's more likely to be camera angle.  I've noticed that a couple of times shooting my own swords.