Minatogawa 1945

[Jon MB]

Hello All,

 

Trust we are having a good Saturday.

 

I got lucky a few months ago with this. Was affordable, I wasn't too sure as I

wasn't able to see the mei at time of purchase, but the price was right, and the sugata was right.

 

A kind and experienced collector assisted me with the mei:

 

'Made at Sichshoto Tanren Dojo by Masanaga', 'Made for Mr Koizumi'

 

'Februrary 1945'

 

I welcome all additional comments, thank you.

 

Note the lack of Minatogawa emblem. I think the forge had already been bombed, but the the

nearby forge used by Minatogawa smiths for private commissions continued to operate.

 

Also note the Gunto type fittings.

 

Now to gather pennies for a polish. Might take ages, as have lots of other commitments.

[Jon MB]

A few more pics..As it is out of polish, activity hard to see...

[SwordGuyJoe]

Translation sounds close, but maybe not dead on. See a past post about Masanaga. Looking forward to seeing this in polish.

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/3431-masanaga-help/

[Jon MB]

Notice amulet-type script on saya for protection of user, formerly covered with leather.

[Jon MB]

Apologies, some pics were a little large..

[lonely panet]

you keep finding nice thing Jon.

 

first time iv ever seen in a minatogawa in army mounts

[Jon MB]

Thanks Hamfish, It's all at once because I have some time at home, so I got the camera out...

[PNSSHOGUN]

Wow, great find! And in army mountings as well, very unusual.

[Stephen]

Interesting saya, is that paper wrapped or a layer of leather? Guntos got to love what their going to show up with!

[Jon MB]

Paper wrap there. Yes, variations in mountings are very interesting...

[David Flynn]

Yasukunito have been found in Navy Kaigunto.

[Kiipu]

@Jon MB If still at hand, does your Masanaga 正永 have any markings on the nakago mune?  This matter of serialization has just recently come to the forefront.

Translation help on Additional Kanji on Masanaga Gendaito

 

爲小泉氏 = Tame Koizumi-shi = Made for Mister Koizumi.

七生刀鍛錬道場　正永作之 = Masanaga made this.

昭和廿年二月吉日 = A lucky day in February 1945.

[Jon MB]

Apologies, only just seen. No nakago mune markings.