Japanese naval dagger with mei

[Barry B]

I am trying to understand the rarity of naval daggers with mei Where there not many with hand made blades or not many that survived the war or are both the correct explanation. Thanks

Barry

[Bruce Pennington]

Barry,

 

Hopefully, some of the guys who really collect dirks will chime in, but it is my impression that none of the dirk makers made what I call "real" blades, they all made the "machine made" blade with artificial hamon. When you see one with a signed, real blade, it was a privately owned tanto that was refitted for the war in dirk fittings. I suppose a guy might have gone out and commissioned a custom made tanto in naval dirk fittings, too, but that would be evident if the blade date could be determined. Obviously, a nakago with much age would fit into the refitted scenario.

[Stephen]

Barry do you have one? If so may we see it?

[Barry B]

pictures of naval dagger

[drb 1643]

Hi Barry, yes, from what I’ve seen and read they are not very common. Here are some pictures of mine.

Tom

[Barry B]

I find them very interesting Thanks for sharing

Barry

[lonely panet]

the two listed above are so good, why not post these examples in the 

 

 

Show Us Your High Class Gunto

 

section, there gems

[Bruce Pennington]

That’s a beauty Barry! Have you gotten a translation yet?

[Barry B]

I have been told. Oct 1863. Noshu ju hide. But I don’t have any info on him

[Bruce Pennington]

You should post it on the translation assistance forum. http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/forum/15-translation-assistance/

 

There is a lot more on the nakago than just that.

[Jareth]

Great examples! I love the "fat" Scabbard examples with old blades!

[Jareth]

Any leads to a purchase would be greatly appreciated!

[SteveM]

Looks more like Hōshu-ju Hide (something)

 

豊州住秀囗

 

Date is indeed Oct. 1863

 

文久三年十月日