Translation And Arsenal Stamps On A Friend's Sword

[Stephen V]

Hi

 

I have been asked by a friend for help in the translation on what looks to be an officer grade WW11 sword.

 

It appears that the tang has unfortunately been given a pretty hard scrub at some time.

 

There are also two stamps on the tang. The top one I think I have correctly identified as Seki but there appears to be a second diamond shaped stamp at the bottom that I cannot identify.

 

I have attached a photo of the inscription and any help would be appreciated.

[Grey Doffin]

Noshu Seki no Ju Hatori Masahiro Saku.

Grey

[Bruce Pennington]

Stephen,

 

You're right about the Seki stamp. Could you post a closeup of the diamond stamp. I've seen one on a Kuniyasu, but your's looks different.

[Stephen]

Or is it Masafusa?

[Stephen V]

Bruce, sorry these are the only photos that my friend forwarded to me.

 

Grey and Stephen, I love the tic tack you get on this forum bouncing thoughts off each other.

 

Oh and the sword hilt has an attached blue/brown lieutenant/captain grade tassel that looks to be in pretty good condition as well.

 

Thanks for the input, I only have nihonto books here to refer to.

[Stephen]

with the hatori i think Grey is right

[cisco-san]

from Markus book:

MASAHIRO (正弘), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Masahiro” (正弘), real name Hattori Kazuichi (服部一市), born July 30th 1907, he worked as guntō smith

[Stephen V]

Thank you everyone above. 

 

Info greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers