New Guy Looking For Some Information

[Old dog]

Hello all,

 

I'd first off like to say that I am very pleased to be a member of this site. I am also astounded by the wealth of information found here.

 

I am posting a picture of the first Japanese sword I ever held and although I have tried for 20+ years to obtain it, it has not yet made its way to my home.

 

I am also posting photos of my newly acquired Shin Gunto with usual mountings. I really would appreciate any information on the smith who put his signature on the blade. I have only ever seen 1 other example of a similar second kanji and I haven't been able to find a similar complete signature yet. I believe the sword was made in November 1943 and it bears Nagoya stamps. The tsuba has a Showa stamp.

 

When I look down the blade in strong light I can see a series of undulations which I figure are due to it being machine made from rolled steel. In general I think the blade is in good condition and I would like to have it polished some day. I realize it is not a high value sword but it means a good deal to me being my first Japanese sword. I will have more questions I know, as time goes by and I would like to say, in advance, "Thank you" for any and all help. ( I did try to upload the photos the right way up but they didn't load that way) 

 

 

Geoff                                      

[Geraint]

Welcome Geoff.

 

Keep trying with that first sword, it's an Efu no tachi mount and while the photograph is not great and it might be quite late it would be a very nice thing to have.  It seems to be all complete and in good condition.  I don't suppose you have any pictures of the blade out of the mounts?

 

The Gunto is in late war mounts and appears to be in pretty good shape, signed and dated.  No doubt a translation will be forthcoming soon.

All the best.

[ROKUJURO]

Geoff,

welcome to the NM board!

Your SHIN GUNTO seems to be made by HIROMITSU in November 1944. This does not necessarily mean that this blade was actually hand-forged by a smith. More and sharp photos of the 'naked' blade are needed to say more about the quality. 

[uwe]

1943?!

[ROKUJURO]

Uwe,

you are right, it is HACHI, so 1943. 

[Jean]

The tsuba looks stamped? Does it often happen?

[Old dog]

Thank you all very much for your help. Really nice to know the name of the smith who signed this sword. I will post more pictures once I take some better ones with my camera, as opposed to my cell phone. Probably this weekend.

Again, thanks a lot!

 

Geoff

[SwordGuyJoe]

The tsuba looks stamped? Does it often happen?

 

 

I once had a star stamped tsuba for a late 44 (Type 0), that had a Ichihara Ichiryushi Nagamitsu blade.  I have seen a couple since, but including this one, likely only enough to count on one hand.

[lonely panet]

every scarce for a tsuba on a type 44 to be stamped like that. very interesting, if you please post some very detailed pics of the wholes sword

[Bruce Pennington]

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but for reference to anyone reading it, the stamp on the tsuba is the Gifu stamp which was possibly used by the Seki Cutlery Manufacturers Association or one of the other 3 Seki sword associations of the time.