Tang Inscriptions On Both Sides

[Bruce W Sims]

[Bruce W Sims]

[Bruce W Sims]

[Bruce W Sims]

Hi, Folks:

 

I have posted pictures of the characters etched into the tang of a WW II item from the South Pacific theatre.

I don't know much about it though I have held onto it for a good many years.

 

I used a technique common in genealogy to add contrast to the characters but have posted the first pair twice as

each shot focus favored on character but not the other. The characters on the other side seemed more scratched-in

and did not take the white chalk as well.

 

Any thoughts or contributions would be very much appreciated.

 

Best Wishes,

 

Bruce

[Grey Doffin]

The signature may be Kaneshige but it may not be.  The date is Showa Ju Ku Nen, 1944.

Grey

[Nobody]

良重 - Yoshishige

昭和十九年 - Showa 19th year (1944)

[cisco-san]

from Markus´s book:

YOSHISHIGE (良重), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Yoshishige” (良重), real name Komiyama Ryōzō (小宮山良造)

[Bruce W Sims]

Thank you so very much for this help.

 

If I were to "read between the lines" my own conclusion might be that this was carried by an individual who came to the War a bit later in its prosecution, right (IE. 1944 or later)? Is there any information on this particular smith such as where he lived or worked? Not trying to be a pest... I'm just thinking that if this sword gets passed on to someone, it might be nice to have a bit of the back story. I know you folks are probably busy so if you just want to point me in the "right direction" it would be very much appreciated. Thanks again for your help.

 

Best Wishes,

 

Bruce

[Jean]

He worked in the city of Gifu, prefecture of Mino province, one among xxxxxxx Mino Showa smith

[george trotter]

He worked in the city of Gifu, prefecture of Mino province, one among xxxxxxx Mino Showa smith

 

As Jean says, the maker is one of more than 200 smiths working in Gifu (Gifu is the modern name for Mino Province) in the town of Seki in WWII. He was registered as a military swordmaker in Showa 17 (1942) on 21st October. Family name Komiyama Ryozo. 

As you said, your sword was carried by an officer from  1944 onwards.

it is an example of a 'showato' or a military sword.

Regards,

[Bruce W Sims]

Thank you very, very much. I will transcribe all of this and keep it with the sword.

 

The blade is not chipped or bent or anything but looks like it could use a good cleaning or

polishing or something. Is there something I can do? Is it worth it to do anything or

just let it go? Thoughts?

 

Best Wishes,

 

Bruce