ffletcher Posted January 15, 2019 Report Posted January 15, 2019 I seek an opinion on age/authenticity of a sword given to me by a relative. The sword in question is purported to have been picked-up from a field of battle during WWII. The tang inscription is of two characters, translating as “Kane Sumi” (image attached). As can bee seen in the images, the length of the edge is 53.5cm, blade 66.7cm OAL, 1.8cm greatest curvature ~32cm from tip. The Habaki is silver, Seppa is brass and the Tsuba is plain iron. The scabbard is wood, covered in leather. I appreciate any comments or advice on this blade. Fred Quote
DRDave Posted January 15, 2019 Report Posted January 15, 2019 Kaneari maybe? Looks to me like it could be shinto. Let's see what the more knowledgeable members say. Quote
Ray Singer Posted January 15, 2019 Report Posted January 15, 2019 I agree with Kanesumi (兼住) rather than Kanenari (兼生). Gut feeling is that the mei looks authentic. 3 Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted January 15, 2019 Report Posted January 15, 2019 Nice family blade remounted for WW2, if you have the hilt professionally re-wrapped it will be a great family heirloom. Quote
ROKUJURO Posted January 15, 2019 Report Posted January 15, 2019 Fred,congratulations! If that proves to be an authentic sword from the SAMURAI era and not a mass made war relic, you might be interested to save the historical and monetary value of the blade. Please read here on NMB about care and maintenance; this could be important as I think I see fingerprints on the blade which could start corrosion. Never touch the bare blade with your hands! Quote
george trotter Posted January 16, 2019 Report Posted January 16, 2019 Hi Fred, Yes you have a genuine samurai sword that was "drafted" into service in WWII. Due to the rapidly expanding army the Japanese military could not make enough swords to arm its new officers. In 1938 (army & navy) and again in 1942 (army only) appealed to the public to sell their private swords to them. This was done in two forms... 1, just bare blades that were mounted by the army and sold to officers through the Officer's Clubs 2. mounted blades - these were simply put into a leather combat cover and sold to the officers. Yours is a # 2. It is short yes, but even though the army stipulated that blades cannot be shorter than 54.4 cm. I have one at 52.4 cm (see pic - scabbard cover not shown) and have seen them as short as about 45 cm. Nice gift. Regards, 1 Quote
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