Help identefy Gunto sword

[APINorway]

Here in Norway, not so eazy to ask any for help, so I try here again. I’m a newbi, sorry for so large pictures.  But can this be id’ed?

sword is very nice , blade sharp and no nics. Solid fittings and lockup. Nr on Tsuba and Seppas. 249 , thx for good help last time. 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Type 98 Japanese Officer sword.  I've enhanced the photos to make out the smith name a bit better.  The painted marks are just assembly numbers "418".

 

[APINorway]

[APINorway]

Would it be a kai-gunto, or showato blade made? 

[Bruce Pennington]

The date is 1943.

 

"Kai-gunto" really refers to the fittings.  And "Showato" refers to any blade made during WWII that wasn't made in the fully traditional manner.  There were blades made for the Navy arsenals, but many smiths made blades for both army and navy.

 

Maybe you are asking if this blade is "Nihonto" or "Showato", if so, it's hard to say from just that one photo. (Nihonto, or some say "gendaito",  are traditionally made).

[Bruce Pennington]

@SteveM - could we get some help on the mei.   I really tried, but coming up short.

[SteveM]

兼宗　Kanemune

[APINorway]

2 hours ago, Bruce Pennington said:

The date is 1943.

 

"Kai-gunto" really refers to the fittings.  And "Showato" refers to any blade made during WWII that wasn't made in the fully traditional manner.  There were blades made for the Navy arsenals, but many smiths made blades for both army and navy.

 

Maybe you are asking if this blade is "Nihonto" or "Showato", if so, it's hard to say from just that one photo. (Nihonto, or some say "gendaito",  are traditionally made).

Yes, that was I ment , sorry.  Thanks again for good help. 

[Scott JM]

My money would be on this being a showato, from the signature and looks of the hamon and boshi.  I'm sorry if this was already covered but was there a check for any stamps?  Some are rather small and/or faint.

---Scott.