Translation assistance on another Katana acquisition and approximate dating

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Translation assistance on another Katana acquisition and approximate dating

 

[xiayang]

It’s a Seki (関) stamped WW2 era blade.

 

岡田兼義作 = Okada Kaneyoshi saku

 

 

[waljamada]

It's a seki stamped wwii era (id guess early 1940s) showato (typically machine assisted, non-tamagahane and oil quenched..esentially non-traditionally forged) blade in some nice lookin kai gunto (navy) mounts.  The saya looks to be in great shape from what is visible and that rough leather cover did its job.  Sadly can't help with the translation of the mei though.

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Jan

Thank you for the quick translation and information

 

Adam

 

Thank you for the in-depth analysis of the sword.  I went an took another look at it in my workshop and the saya cover is actually a type of canvas which makes sense since it's in what looks to be  Naval fittings.  The saya is covered with shark skin? and is in amazing condition.  This is only the 2nd type 98 that I have with a skin covered saya.  The other one I have  is in remarkably good condition too.  The flip side of the saya has what looks like a post war number that I would assume was part of an in country inventory system.  Its not coming off of the canvas.  . . . Pretty well bonded to it.

 

Thank you again!

VR

Ed

 

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Hi Ed, small correction as your example is a Navy sword:

 

• Navy: Type 97 Kai Gunto
• Army: Type 98 Gunto

[Bruce Pennington]

Most excellent kaigunto, Ed!  The large Seki stamp has been found on blades from 1940-1945, but the massive majority of them are from 1942.  I sure wish this one had been dated, as the canvas same' under the wrap is often found in later war gunto.

 

The says is likely covered in rayskin, lacquered over.  The dimples seem pretty small and round, whereas shark tends to be more diamond shaped.  Still a sign of a custom, more expense purchase on the officer's part.

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Thank you Bruce as always

 

And John for the information.

 

With the talk about Naval Type 97, I remembered that I had another sword with Naval type fittings that had been on this site/thread.  It also is a ray covered saya probably lacquered.  Has a different skin pattern . . both saya skins are in remarkable condition.  The 2nd bare saya probably had a canvas cover in the past.  Maybe.  Both katanas have Seki stamps on the nakago and have prominent hamons.  Additionally, I saw in another thread mention of a Seki paper sticker on the Saya.  Picture added of one that I have.

 

Thanks Again

Ed