Gunto Stamps Document

[Julian]

wow just wow thks Bruce for your time and your passion ..great job my friend +++

[Bruce Pennington]

Update:

 

Don't have major changes to the doc, but have added some things and corrected a couple.

 

Considering where to take the document next. One option would be to start collecting kokuin. Not sure this is useful, though, as each of the smith's personal kokuin were always tied to the smith, so you see the smith name, you know the kokuin. However there are a few items like a diamond or square or double dots that may be worth collecting and watching for reasons/connections.

 

Any recommendations?

Stamps.docxFetching info...

[IJASWORDS]

Hey Bruce, do these stamps on Navy KAI-GUNTO stuff have any significance?

[Bruce Pennington]

Neil, numbers “455”, to my understanding they are assembly numbers to match up fitted pieces and keep them from getting mixed with other pieces during polishing.

[Bruce Pennington]

Updated to include new evidence that unfinished Mantetsu blades were being supplied to the Tokyo 1st Arsenal, explaining the presence of the "W" stamp on them.

[EdWolf]

Hi Bruce, keep up the good work! Thanks for sharing.

Best regards, Ed

[Bruce Pennington]

I've had a couple of requests for a hard-copy of the "Stamps of the Japanese Sword."  I was skeptical because I assumed the photos would be more easily seen in digital form on a laptop or computer.  But I've made a trial copy and I'm impressed.  It's very readable and the images are quite clear.  With double sided printing, the Stamps Doc is 30 pages long.  I've added the articles on the post-war souvenir sword and the one summarizing our discoveries investigating the Mantetsu blades.  Total pages - 45 (90 both sides).  I can print it for $36 USD and will have to add shipping (which I haven't investigated yet).  I'd assume under $10 for USA shipping and around $20-30 international, but I'll try to find out.

 

So anyone that wants a copy, PM me with your mailing address.  I haven't established an account with the paypal alternatives, but will do so ASAP.  Due to copyrights of several of my outside sources, I'm only charging my cost to print and ship.  Let me know if interested.

 

For those who prefer the digital, I've uploaded 8.2 on the Downloads pages:

 

[Bruce Pennington]

OMG.  Now I know why publishers use editors.  Page 3 correction: Center stamp marked as "Ren" is a "Nan" stamp.  I've corrected 8.2 and uploaded on the Downloads section.  Sorry!