Kabutogane, Koa Isshin Mantetsu

[groyn]

I’ve just acquired a Koa Isshin Mantetsu and noticed the emblem on the saya kabutogane. Is this standard? I’ve not seen it before on other gunto saya. It has a Captain’s (I think) tassel.

I’d also be grateful if anyone could tell me if the tsuka is correct as I’m not 100% sure it’s original to this blade. Some seppa also appear to be missing. What would I need to complete the set?
The nakago is quite corroded but I can  make out xxx Isshin Man xxx tsukuru kore and Sho xxx Kanoto Mi (very faint) xxx.  
Unfortunately@Bruce Pennington the mune is too corroded to identify any markings whatsoever. 
Roy

[groyn]

[groyn]

[groyn]

[groyn]

[groyn]

[PNSSHOGUN]

Hi Roy, I don't think it is original to the sword as these should have the special North China Railway Kabutogane on the handle to match.

[Stephen]

Bruce is going to want to see the stamp/ numbers on the top of the tang....hope its visible.... nakago s a mess.

[groyn]

  On 9/22/2021 at 1:22 PM, PNSSHOGUN said:

Hi Roy, I don't think it is original to the sword as these should have the special North China Railway Kabutogane on the handle to match.

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Thank you John, I guessed as much. Is the saya at least original though?

[groyn]

  On 9/22/2021 at 1:30 PM, Stephen said:

Bruce is going to want to see the stamp/ numbers on the top of the tang....hope its visible.... nakago s a mess.

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Hi Stephen,

As mentioned, I'm afraid the mune is too corroded to make anything out.

[groyn]

  On 9/22/2021 at 1:30 PM, Stephen said:

Bruce is going to want to see the stamp/ numbers on the top of the tang....hope its visible.... nakago s a mess.

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PS Yes, nakago's a mess unfortunately, but the blade is in beautiful condition

[Bruce Pennington]

Roy,

Cool piece you have there!  John is right about the tsuka.  Considering the condition of the nakago, I'd say the tsuka was replaced or re-fitted along the way.  An original NCR tsuka would look like this:

 

But whether that was replaced during or after the war, no way to know.

 

Thanks for the pics of the nakago.  I'd say the date is 1940:

 

I believe you about the serial number, but would still appreciate a photo for the files, if you don't mind. And at least one shot of the blade with hamon?

[Bruce Pennington]

For the seppa, you are missing one of each.  Sometimes you can find guys at NMB that have spares to sell, but they're pretty easy to find on fleabay without much risk of fakery.

[groyn]

Thank you Bruce. Photos of blade attached. I’ll try to get a mune shot next time I disassemble the blade (I’ve remounted it in traditional koshirae). 

[groyn]

[groyn]

[Infinite_Wisdumb]

blade looks really good!

[groyn]

It certainly is, Jesse! That's why I was willing to accept the condition of the nakago and the incomplete/mixed koshirae.

[francois2605]

The tassel is a company-grade one (2nd lieutenant to captain) as per the following chart:

 

[groyn]

Thank you Francois, that's a very useful chart.

[francois2605]

Note: this chart is not mine but I can't credit the author since I forgot where I found it on the forum

[groyn]

Understood. I’ll be suitably careful with my use of it. 

[BANGBANGSAN]

  On 9/22/2021 at 2:21 PM, Bruce Pennington said:

 

Thanks for the pics of the nakago.  I'd say the date is 1940:

 

 

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@Bruce

Groyn‘s Mantetsu is 昭和（16）辛巳 1941 instead of 昭和（15）庚辰 1940 。

[Kiipu]

  On 9/22/2021 at 4:53 PM, BANGBANGSAN said:

Groyn‘s Mantetsu is 昭和（16）辛巳 1941 instead of 昭和（15）庚辰 1940 。

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I agree it is 1941.  So far, all Mantetsu's made in 1941 are engraved as 昭和辛巳春.

The reverse side is marked as 興亜一心　満鐵作之.

[Stephen]

Roy the nakago is not all lost, it can be brought back.

[Kiipu]

  On 9/22/2021 at 3:46 PM, francois2605 said:

Note: this chart is not mine but I can't credit the author since I forgot where I found it on the forum

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@Stegel made that chart up back in April 2020.

Generals Tassels, Page 2

[groyn]

  On 9/22/2021 at 2:21 PM, Bruce Pennington said:

Roy,

Cool piece you have there!  John is right about the tsuka.  Considering the condition of the nakago, I'd say the tsuka was replaced or re-fitted along the way.  An original NCR tsuka would look like this:

 

But whether that was replaced during or after the war, no way to know.

 

Thanks for the pics of the nakago.  I'd say the date is 1940:

 

I believe you about the serial number, but would still appreciate a photo for the files, if you don't mind. And at least one shot of the blade with hamon?

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Hi Bruce,

As requested, here are photos of the corroded nakago mune. Apologies for the delay, but I didn't get to disassemble the fittings again until now.

Regards,

Roy

[Bruce Pennington]

Well shoot.  Nothing discernible.  Thanks for posting, though.