Type 98 with General Tassel and extra Kanji on Nakago

[waljamada]

So now that this blade sold I feel I can ask questions on it.  A type 98 gunto with what looks to be a signed gendaito and general tassel.  Blade looks to be in actually pretty good shape considering seller mentions its just been sitting in an attic.  

 

Anyways, the unique thing to me was the additional Kanji on the nakago.  Looks almost stamped or just very carefully etched in.  Either way, wondering if anyone could tell me what it signifies....soldiers name (perhaps a known general?  A slogan?  Was just curious as it's pretty neat and haven't seen something quite like it before.

 

Either way, fun to see an attic Type 98 gunto fresh to market from an individual who got it at an estate sale (still waiting on my turn for something like that)  with general tassel that survived pretty well minus some missing tsuka ito etc...

[PNSSHOGUN]

Not a general tassel, that is a field grade officers tassel (MAJ - COL). The sword is signed by Minamoto Yoshichika, and comes with stamped cutting test performed by Nakayama Hakudo. An interesting sword for a number of reasons, I am unsure why it went so high considering the condition and restoration required. The incorrect general attribution may have played a part.

[waljamada]

Thank you John, Interesting...a stamped cutting test.  Just Googled Nakayama and that does add some definite extra cool.  What would this more modern cutting test constitute of I wonder? 

 

https://kenshi247.net/blog/2011/02/14/a-lineage-all-but-forgotten-the-yushinkan-nakayama-hakudo/

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakayama_Hakudō

[MarcoUdin]

Agree with John, I'm not sure why it says general's sword

[PNSSHOGUN]

There are accounts of Hakudo testing swords on anything from thin iron bars to pig carcasses. The exact test used for these stamps is unknown.

[Kiipu]

Cross-reference to same sword.

Why did this Type 98 Shin Gunto Sword sell for so much? Blade maker translation needed

[waljamada]

Thanks Thomas, it caught a bunch of eyes I see.  Not surprised.  I knew I wasn't making a go for it so wanted to wait before asking about it in case someone else on NMB was making a go.  It actually ended up being more interesting than I thought due to the Nakayama history.  He was an intriguing figure.  Not sure how rare his cutting tests are but it's a neat bit of "modern" history to have attached to a blade. 

[Bruce Pennington]

I got an improved shot of that mark on the end of the nakago.  No telling what it was supposed to be.  Poorly struck, so cannot make out intended number or kanji.

[Bruno]

Yoshichika made a name for himself in the early 30's when Hakudo, a famous swordsman of the day, used one of his swords to test cut. He praised in and Yoshichika started stamping his blades with the Hakudo seal of approval. Many members of the Imperial Guards then commissioned blades from Yoshichika and he made many, like mass production. Most are average but cut well.