Looking For A Second Opinion, Odd Mei

[Ontario_Archaeology]

Hello forum members!

I have been searching for a nice Kai Gunto for some time, and I think I have found one I maybe interested in, however I am unsure about the mei, or anything else. For example, I have never seen a signature refer to the sharpness of the blade like it does on this one. Through some research I know that the yamada family did sword testing, but signatures about the sharpness dont appear on Showa blades. This leads me on to believe it is a fake signature. 

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/KATANA-ANTIQUE-Japanese-LONG-SWORD-69-4cm-SIGNED-SAGEN-WWII-NAVY-GUNTO/142591654429?hash=item21331ffa1d:g:eigAAOSwpuFaFA3T

 

Thanks 

Matt
 

[Geraint]

Hi Matt.

 

This does look like a very nice package.  I wouldn't worry about the comment regarding it's sharpness, think of it a s a marketing slogan.  It is not the same as a cutting test inscription by the Yamada or anyone else so on that point you need have no concerns.  I don't know this seller but the description of hada and hamon suggest this would be very nice, sharkskin saya to boot.

 

You might be able to find other examples of this smiths mei to compare but I don't think there is anything wrong with it from what we can see in the photographs.

 

The down side is that it is out in front of a very wide audience and the starting bid is close to 2K CD.  I would not be at all surprised to see it go a great deal higher than that.

 

All the best with your quest

[Ontario_Archaeology]

Thank-you for your response. I just couldn't find anything about that part about the sharpness, very interesting. Thank you for your help!

Matt

[PNSSHOGUN]

Excellent package, nice condition high quality mounts with good looking blade. Will certainly go higher but worth it, hard to top a piece like that IMO.

 

I must admit I have never seen something like that on Showa era swords before either, quite novel. 

[vajo]

My bet is over $3000. This is a very fine Kai Gunto in perfect condition with a eye catching blade.

I would be proud to have such a kai gunto in my collection - hard to find and it will be go high.

[Ontario_Archaeology]

Uh oh, appears I might have brought some extra competition to the auction

 

Thank you for your help guys

 

Matt

[PNSSHOGUN]

Don't worry, I've already got a nice one. If this had a high quality sarute and tassel it would be perfect.

[vajo]

The smith is total unknown. I didn't found him in any books.

[Ontario_Archaeology]

I couldn't find him either, it's curious. What does it mean? A fake signature? Something added later to make the sword worth more? Maybe some sort of fake name by another smith? 

Matt

[Stephen]

Are we sure its the correct translations?

 

Maybe ask our trans guys for alternate translation

[Ontario_Archaeology]

Will post shortly! Good Suggestion! 

Thanks, 

Matt

[Stephen]

this looks like it to me but dont find in MS

 

SUKE (佐)

[Ontario_Archaeology]

Unfortunately, my pockets were not deep enough 

 

Thank- you everyone for your help! it was fun.

 

Matt

[vajo]

This was go cheap. I find out that the blade is mumei. Yamada Sagen was a member of the Yamada family in Tokio and made sword tests. This is was the sign says. A swordtest made spring 1943 by yamada sagen. My limit was to low. Congrats who ever bought it.