The Mysterious "w" Stamp!

[Bruce Pennington]

5 hours ago, tbonesullivan said:

TAKEHISA!  Dated 昭 和 十 八 年 秋 - 1943 AKI

David,

Could I get a clear shot of the "&" marking, or a link where I can get the shots myself?

 

I have 2 other gunto with this mark.  Both mumei, one is likely a zoheito, and one has the "W" as well.  My current theory is that it comes from a particular shop.  Here are the other 2

787 has the & on the blade!

and 

797

[tbonesullivan]

1 hour ago, Bruce Pennington said:

David,

Could I get a clear shot of the "&" marking, or a link where I can get the shots myself?

 

I got some with my phone. Unfortunately the lens and flash photography they use on the website pictures makes it really hard to get good pictures on anything remotely shiny. I'll upload them tomorrow hopefully.

[tbonesullivan]

On 3/15/2024 at 2:51 PM, Bruce Pennington said:

David,

Could I get a clear shot of the "&" marking, or a link where I can get the shots myself?

These are the best I could do! Markings on all the fittings, including the tsuka and scabbard lock. the "&" symbol is clear.

[Bruce Pennington]

1 hour ago, tbonesullivan said:

the best I could do!

Those are great, David, thank you!

 

@Kiipu

I haven't charted the blades with the "M/W", but looking over the files, it's clear they were used in earnest after the Army took control of all sword production in 1942.

 

The stamp is seen on Mantetsu blades from the beginning of production in 1942, through the first quarter of 1944

 

On signed blades, we see it from Spring 1943 through Spring 1944

Yoshiharu (11 blades)

Spring '43 - 4 blades

Autumn '43 - 2

Spring '44 - 3

 

Takehisa (10 blades)

Autumn '43 - 8 blades

Spring '44 - 2

 

Tenshin

1945 - 1 blade

 

With the exception of the Tenshin blade, it's interesting to note that all the stamped blades use the seasonal notations on the date, including the Mantetsu.

Obviously, they are seen on Type 19s and Type 95s, but I have no dates for those.

[sabre]

Found this Katana on a dealers site Bruce with the w stamp which may be of interest.

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

8 hours ago, sabre said:

Found this Katana on a dealers site Bruce with the w stamp which may be of interest.

 

Wow, how strange.  The "hisa" is missing from the mei!  It fits the profile of a Takehisa blade.

 

Thanks for posting it.

[BANGBANGSAN]

On 7/8/2024 at 8:15 PM, Bruce Pennington said:

Wow, how strange.  The "hisa" is missing from the mei!  It fits the profile of a Takehisa blade.

 

Thanks for posting it.

The 久 is there ,just very light.

 

[Bruce Pennington]

You’re right, Tristan good eye  my friend!

[sabre]

Another W marked Katana Bruce.

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

23 minutes ago, sabre said:

Another W

Thanks Michael!  I spotted that one back in July.  I do believe it is Takehisa with the "hisa" missing or obscured.  His blades have the W and he always uses Spring or Autumn in the dates.