Kanji signature characters on the thin edge of nakago

[Shuriken]

Is this a Gunto feature? Again, haven't seen before...but I'm still a newbie. I've also attached pics of the mei.

[Bugyotsuji]

と五六ニ

‘To, 562’

Yes, we had a discussion of this just yesterday or the day before somewhere here…

 

[Shuriken]

Thanks @Bugyotsuji

[Bruce Pennington]

David,

Let me introduce you to SMR - The Mantetsu Blade.  It's an article summarizing what we've learned about the South Manchurian Railway's invention of the Mantetsu blade and why it was one of the most popular swords of the war.

[Shuriken]

Thank you @Bruce Penningtonreading it now!

 

[Shuriken]

Fascinating. And excellent--I learned this is a 1940-issue blade. Thank you!

 

[Bruce Pennington]

22 hours ago, Shuriken said:

1940-issue blade.

That's right, David.  And now I'm speculating, but you'll notice it is the end of the 1st third of the year's production, so IF production numbers were linear and equal in amounts of blades in each group, then your blade came out in either April (if SMR was going by a calendar year) or August (if going by Japanese fiscal year).  But that's really getting into speculation.

[Kiipu]

Your sword was made by the South Manchuria Railway Company (SMR) and it is from the 7th series.  It is a commercial pattern that was made in the spring of 1940.  This is the seventh 7th series reported so far and the current serial number range is と41 to と729.  When time permits, can you post a picture of the overall view of the sword with the scabbard placed below the blade?

Tang top: と 五六二 = to-562.

Obverse: 昭和庚辰春 = 1940 Spring.

Reverse: 興亜一心　満鐵作之 = Kōa Isshin　Mantetsu saku kore.

[Shuriken]

@Kiipuwill do. I'm acquiring some swords and this is one

 

[Shuriken]

@Kiipusorry for delay as holidays caughtup with me. Here are pics of the Mantetsu sword. Also @Bruce Pennington

[Bruce Pennington]

 

I did some checking and I think that's the FIRST Mantetsu I've seen in kaigunto fittings!!!!  You own a VERY rare item there my friend!

[Bruce Pennington]

My blade was in similar condition.  It was my dad's, so I decided to have it polished.  They come out quite beautiful, but it costs more than $2,000 to have it done.

 

[Kiipu]

Thanks for the update.  I agree with Bruce.  This is the first reported Mantetsu that is fitted out as a Type 97.  The Mantetsu blade was a commercial product so one was bound to make an appearance sooner or later.  That string is part of the sword and is depicted in a 1937 book.  Please look after it as they are not common.  See link below.

Launch documentation for the 1937 introduction of the new Navy Gunto, Post #34

 

When you have a few hours, the thread below is worth a read in regards to Mantetsu and the swords made by them.

Attention Mantetsu Owners: A Survey

 

And finally, you seem to have a knack for locating unusual items!

[Kiipu]

Cross-Reference

Japanese Navy Officer Samurai Sword w/ Saya

 

To give credit where credit is due, found it via a post by @Stephen back in January 2022.  Just another golden oldie from Stephen!

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