Sword Identification Help

[Badactor9323]

I’ve been working on my late grandfather’s estate and we came across this sword. We’d like to find out more about it. So far everyone I’ve reached out to wants to buy it or charge me large appraisal fee. This is something we’d like to hold on to but knowing what we have would be great. I think it’s WW2 era but that’s about all I can figure out. It is marked but I am failing at trying to translate. Is this something you could help us with? Should we insure it? Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

[Badactor9323]

Here are the pics

[SteveM]

興亜一心満鉄作

昭和癸未

 

Kōa-isshin mantetsu saku

Showa Mizunōto-hitsuji

 

First line refers to the type of sword (made in Manchuria)

Second line is the date: 1943

 

You can find similar swords in the thread here

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/26165-attention-mantetsu-owners-a-survey/

 

And there should be many other hits if you do a search for the phrase "Koa-isshin" on this site. Maybe leave out the hyphen to get as many hits as possible. Its a sword that collectors of WW2 memorabilia will find very interesting. 

[Badactor9323]

Thank you!!! There are other markings on the spine. I can post photos later tonight. Also have another short sword that I didn’t think much of til I thought to remove the handle. It’s signed as well. I’ll throw those pics up too. Thank you so much for your help!!

[ROKUJURO]

BADACTOR0323,

welcome to the wonderful world of NMB!

Please sign all posts at least with your first name plus an initial, so we may address you politely. It is a rule here.

[Badactor9323]

Here is the image of the markings on the spine. Can anyone tell me what these are?

CM

[Badactor9323]

Here is another sword? Dagger? Knife? Can you give me background/date. Translate signature? Any help would be greatly appreciated! The family was so excited about the other info

CM

[Ganko]

Signature is "Bishu Osafune Yoshitsugu", maybe from early 1400's?

[ROKUJURO]

BADACTOR

that is a WAKIZASHI, unfortunately not in good condition. Please take care not to touch the blade witch bare hands! Wipe it with some low viscosity machine oil and remove the oil with a household paper before re-sheathing it. 

Concerning preservation, please read here on NMB about the topic.

Please sign all posts at least with your first name plus an initial, as we do it all here. 

[Jean]

Done for BADACTOR, Jean

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Chris,

Here you will find a care and handling brochure:

http://nbthk-ab.org/cleaning-maintenance.html

It is a quick read; you'll be doing yourself a favor if you take the time.

Grey

[Bruce Pennington]

Chis,

On your Mantetsu - could you try getting a better picture of the bottom kanji that I've pointed to here? I can't quite see it properly and it looks confusing in the image you've provided.

 

 

Thanks!

 

[Badactor9323]

Chis,

On your Mantetsu - could you try getting a better picture of the bottom kanji that I've pointed to here? I can't quite see it properly and it looks confusing in the image you've provided.

Thanks!

20191114_070112.png

There are no markings under the brass collar other than the “spine” markings in the previously posted pic Here is a better shot. Thank you for any help you can give me!

Chris M

[SteveM]

Last kanji is 春 (haru) = spring

[Badactor9323]

Last kanji is 春 (haru) = spring

Steve-

Awesome! So I’m looking at Kōa-isshin mantetsu saku from the spring of 1943? Any idea on the spine marks?

Chris M

[Stephen]

See military section.

Whole thread on the mune numbers.

Look for Mantetsu owners.

I posted your pic ther hour or so ago

 

Bottom 3 kanji are 795

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/26165-attention-mantetsu-owners-a-survey/page-11?do=findComment&comment=308429

[Bruce Pennington]

Thanks Chris! Yes “Fu 795” is the full number.

 

The Spring kanji is pretty sloppy but is a good example that the Mantetsu mei wasn’t this perfectly struck, monolith. Some blades have been questioned in other threads because of variations in the writing, but this is a good example showing that they were still carved by humans that had good days and bad days at work! Ha!

[Stephen]

Chris?

[Badactor9323]

Chris?

t

 

Thanks for the repost! Did I miss a question or request?

Chris M

[Badactor9323]

Thank you to everyone who has given me insight! It is very much appreciated. Any other opinions on the short sword? Ganko says it’s signed “ Bishu Osafune Yoshitsugu” possibly early 1400’s. Can anyone else verify. Should I insure the thing? If so how much. I have no idea in these things. It’s just sitting in the basement collecting dust. :/

Chris M

[SteveM]

The reading is correct: Bishū Osafune Yoshitsugu

 

I can't find this exact smith when I search for him, but I can find some similar signatures from the 1300s, which feels a bit too old for this sword. No need to insure it. Follow the advice regarding handling and care. Rusty, unpapered wakizashi will have a value in the sub $1000 range. If it is in good condition, and it has authentication papers, its value increases. But it has to be made by a remarkable smith in order for it to start attracting attention.