Type 98 Showa - To signature

[Baka Gaijin]

Good Afternoon,

 

An opinion upon this Showa - To signature would be most appreciated.

 

[Mark S.]

I think the last 3 are:

 

Toshi

Hiro

Saku

[Baka Gaijin]

Thank You Mark

[Bruce Pennington]

"Seki ju  xxx xxx Norihiro saku"  (something) Norihiro from Seki made this.

 

Do you already know about the Showa stamp at top?

[Jussi Ekholm]

I think the smith would be - 築樋利広 - Chikuhi Toshihiro

[Brian]

Thanks Jussi, that one was driving me nuts.
So I assume this guy then. That alternate Hiro always gets me.

Toshihiro (利広), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – „Toshihiro“ (利広), civilian name „Chikuhi Teruo“ (築樋輝夫), born May 21st 1916, he
worked as guntō smith

[Baka Gaijin]

Gentlemen, thank you for all the input.

 

Greatly appreciated.

 

For a non traditionally constructed blade it has a wonderful balance.

 

Perhaps made for someone who knew a little more than the Rikugun Gunto Soho which many Officers were trained in

 

https://dl.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/1460369

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Just an observation, but swords with the Sho stamp seem to be of better quality overall than Seki stamped examples.