Another Wartime Souvenir

[jr_sanchez]

Hope I'm not wasting your time and this is at least a bit interesting...

 

My grandfather was in the Philippine Army and fought the Japanese in WW2. After a battle in Cebu he captured a sword which has been in my family since then. For decades it was kept on the wall and the tropical environment got it pretty rusty. When I got it a few years ago I had it restored. It appears to be hand-made, and I always wanted to learn about it's origins.

 

- Yes, I realize that my grandfather "ruined" it when he etched his name on the blade. Understandably, he wasn't a big fan of Japanese culture.

- I also realize it probably isn't worth much. I'm not selling it, I'd just like to learn about it.

 

So, if the readers here can shed any light on this sword's history (or can otherwise get me pointed in the right direction), I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

 

http://www.james-sanchez.com/katana

http://www.james-sanchez.com/sword

[Bugyotsuji]

濃州ä½æµ…井æ•ç§€

Noshu Ju Asai Toshihide

 

Edit. Now I've just discovered you had the answer written all along written under the photos! :lol:

[Brian]

Hi James,

 

As stated (and read correctly in the first page) the sword reads Asai Toshihide of Noshu province made this.

The second page you link to...those assumptions are incorrect. Just shows how important a background knowledge of Nihonto is necessary when translating mei

Modern Japanese does not always arrive at the correct translation.

 

As per this page: http://www.jp-sword.com/files/seki/gendaito.html he was a Rikugun Jumei smith making true Gendaito as well as possibly Showato during WW2. This one of yours looks like it could possibly be a traditionally made blade, but would need better pics to tell.

The painted numbers on the other side are not significant. They are usually arsenal marks or assembly numbers, and are often found on wartime blades.

 

Regards,

Brian

[jr_sanchez]

Thanks! That is more information than I had before (I should have just googled "Asai Toshihide").

 

Now all I have to do is some military history research to find out who owned the sword before it was captured.

 

I appreciate the link--this sword may not be a big deal as swords go, but it's a treasure to us!