Translation Assistance Please

[Donjohn]

Hello,

I just picked up my second Shin Gunto sword...this time a Wakasahi, length 31" and blade about 22." Unlike my last purchase, I don't see a Showa arsenal mark. Does that mean that this is a Gendaito blade?

 

I also had a question about the unusual shaped tang and the two holes. Can anyone tell if this blade was cut down?

 

Any help with the mei would also be appreciated. I enjoy doing the research on the armorer myself...I'm just hopeless right now at figuring out what the kanji characters on the tang are...

[kusunokimasahige]

The nakago (tang) was at one time reworked to fit a sabre hilt.

 

 

The two holes are indicative of one or more remountings during its long history.

 

KM

[Mark]

seems we have discussed this before

 

viewtopic.php?f=50&t=20068&p=181069&hilit=kaneyasu#p181069

[Donjohn]

Wow...small world, this board is amazing! I guess I'm the buyer that wanted it just a little more than the poster in the thread listed above. I guess someone saved me some time on my research!

[Donjohn]

KM, thank you for taking the time to assist an interested novice.

 

So...my understanding from reading the prior thread is that the mei on this Nakago which reads Mutsu no Kami Kaneyasu are probably gimei? Can this be determined by looking at the style of the sword itself? or the "signature?"

 

Also, if the mei are indeed gimei, can anyone determine any more about the wakasahi...ie...is this a traditionally made sword, and if so...how to roughly date it?

 

Sincerely,

 

DJ

[Grey Doffin]

Hi DJ,

Yes; a real, traditionally made sword.

Maybe be gimei; maybe not. Same advise I gave the other guy: google the smith and see if the oshigata you find match the work you see in the sword.

Grey

[Donjohn]

Thanks for the advice Grey! I'm just happy I actually own a traditionally made blade! The learning curve is steep!

[Alan Morton]

Hi DJ,

what area do you live in? There are always other collectors around

who befriend newbies and show them along the way. Start going to

sword or gun shows in your area.

Alan

[kusunokimasahige]

DJ, when going to a sword show it is of course good to take your sword with you, other collectors would generally be most helpful.

 

KM

[Donjohn]

Alan and KM,

 

Thanks for the advice! I live in one of the Washington, DC suburbs in Northern Virginia. I was looking at the Sword Show Listing on the main page and I'm going to try and make it to the Northeast Japanese Sword Show (Philadelphia, PA) Oct. 17-19 and see what I can learn there.

 

I've also been told there are a few sword sellers at the Dulles Gun Show in Chantilly, VA this weekend. Has anyone been to this show looking for anything other than guns? There are supposedly 1,000 dealer tables.

 

Best Regards,

 

Don J.

[Hakuho]

Alan and KM,

 

Thanks for the advice! I live in one of the Washington, DC suburbs in Northern Virginia. I was looking at the Sword Show Listing on the main page and I'm going to try and make it to the Northeast Japanese Sword Show (Philadelphia, PA) Oct. 17-19 and see what I can learn there.

 

I've also been told there are a few sword sellers at the Dulles Gun Show in Chantilly, VA this weekend. Has anyone been to this show looking for anything other than guns? There are supposedly 1,000 dealer tables.

 

Best Regards,

 

Don J.

 

Hey Don! That was me at the auction. Congrats on the buy... you wanted it a bit more than I did

 

I go to the Dulles Gun Show often. You'll see a few dealers that have swords in Shin Gunto mounts but most seem to be priced fairly high. I did see a few last time that had mei, but I wasn't looking too hard for swords as I was there for gun stuff.