Question about a maker

[hale1940]

Hey there everyone, 

 

In my quest to find a good example of Type 98 to go along with my Type 95 NCO I've come across a sword made by Takehisa in Autumn 1943. I was wondering if any of you are familiar with this maker and the types of techniques he used and the quality of his work. Thanks!

[reeder]

Showato. I believe there’s a thread out there about him possibly making Mantetsu-to given the w stamp but not sure whatever happened to that theory. 

[PNSSHOGUN]

The W/M stamp was just an acceptance mark, I don't think there is any real link to Mantetsu so far.

[Bruno]

He is listed in Slough book if I am not wrong?

[hale1940]

2 hours ago, Bruno said:

He is listed in Slough book if I am not wrong?

I’m not sure, as I don’t have that book. But I did post more info about that sword and another one in my other post. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Takehisa was one of 8 smiths whose blades often have the W/M stamp:

Research from collectors on the Nihonto Message Board (www.militaria.co.za/nmb/19390-the-mysterious-w-stamp/) have revealed ‘W’ stamps on the following blades:  Type 19 sabre; Type 95s made by Ijima for Kokura & Tokyo 1^st Arsenal; Mantetsu; Kaneoto (with Seki stamp); Haruhisa; Kokima Kanenori; Tenshin; Takehisa; Yoshiharu; and Yoshitani.

We don't know why it just shows up on these blades.  We believe it is a "midway inspection".