I need help with katana hilt translations-both sides

[gmheck]

I need help with translations on both sides of a katana that my father brought back from the pacific in 1944. I know nothing about Japanese language or sword stamps

[Ray Singer]

高崎住藤原継延作 - Takasaki ju Fujiwara Tsugunobu saku

 

昭和十七年一月日 - A day in the first month of 1942 (Showa 17)

[ROKUJURO]

Welcome Glen,

to the NMB!

If your blade is more than 606 mm in length, it is a TACHI (not KATANA) in this case. The signature is on the outside of the tang when worn in military mounts.

If you are not familiar with these blades, please read here on the NMB about handling and care, so you may preserve the blade (and its value) for future generations. Please show it also in the Military section, the experts there will tell you more about the smith and if it could perhaps be a traditionally made one.

[Ray Singer]

Per Sesko, there was a Tsugunobu (継延) who was a smith from Gunma who studied under Kasama Shigetsugu. He was a Rikugun Jumei Tosho smith who initially signed Kaneharu. If the same smith, this may be a very nice gendaito.

 

Best regards,

Ray

[Bruce Pennington]

Is there a Star stamp near the top, above the hole?

[Surfson]

The yasurime are not inspiring of great care exerted during finishing, however