Butch Posted October 29, 2021 Report Posted October 29, 2021 Could some one please help me with this sword ? It originally came from a collector who acquired it from America a number of years ago .. The sword is in good polish and came with the tassle and a leather sword hanger .. the saya has some light wear 2 1 Quote
Butch Posted October 29, 2021 Author Report Posted October 29, 2021 Sorry for double posting a pic 2 Quote
SteveM Posted October 29, 2021 Report Posted October 29, 2021 Looks good. 興亜一心 満鐵作 Kōa Isshin Mantetsu Saku 昭和癸未春 Shōwa mizunoto-hitsuji haru Kōa Isshin Mantetsu sword (Japanese-made, in occupied Manchuria) 1943, Spring. There is a mountain of information on these types of swords here at this site. Very collectible, especially if they are in good condition, as yours is. Stay tuned...the Mantetsu guys will surely be interested in this. 1 Quote
vajo Posted October 29, 2021 Report Posted October 29, 2021 Very good Butch, the condition and the quality is perfect. Keep a good eye on it. 1 Quote
Lareon Posted October 29, 2021 Report Posted October 29, 2021 Really Nice, in very good condition. @Bruce Pennington has a download available with a lot of info on Mantetsu swords - click downloads at the top of the forum Quote
Butch Posted October 29, 2021 Author Report Posted October 29, 2021 Just read the download fascinating ... Looks like I have a nice sword .... 1 3 Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted October 29, 2021 Report Posted October 29, 2021 Yes, you do! Quite minty! Your "KI 122" or "キ122" is the earliest number in the KI series that I've come across so far. KI is right in the middle of the year's production, so with Fiscal year beginning in April, yours was likely made around October + or -. No one really knows why they predominantly used the "Spring" on the dates, but most of them do. 1943 was the transition year for the change in mei. About half still had the "Koa Isshin" slogan, while half show up without it. Again, not known why the change. Thanks for posting! 3 Quote
Butch Posted October 29, 2021 Author Report Posted October 29, 2021 Thanks Bruce ..it did originally come from your side of the pond .. so brought back by either a Marine or a GI .. Quote
george trotter Posted October 30, 2021 Report Posted October 30, 2021 Heh, Heh....gotta say Bruce, you are treasure to the Japanese sword world...only you can unravel the 'marks and numbers' part of it. What a GREAT help you are in pinning down the 'when, where, how many'. As they say in the back lanes of Yokohama....go gunto guy! (actually I made that up). Keep at it Bruce.... Your mate... 4 1 Quote
Stephen Posted October 30, 2021 Report Posted October 30, 2021 Lol i love you long time GI..or .. i mean GT. Bruce if you have John Yamotos book Samurai Sword it has a piece about spring water (along with fall) being the right temp for quenching. If you dont have it let me know. Butch just how long is that baby. Wonderful photos only if everyone showing their new sword could do half as well nice fine my friend. The first photo of the blade made me think old koto blade. If you ever have it apart again please show the sugata. 1 Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted October 30, 2021 Report Posted October 30, 2021 1 hour ago, Stephen said: about spring water (along with fall) being the right temp for quenching. That's an interesting insight! So much of blade-making relies on precise temperatures at precise times. It figures that the quenching temp (and therefore season) was important. Flash forward to WWII where the quenching was industrially controlled, the "Spring" label must be a tip-o-the-hat to the old sword-making wisdom. 1 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.