Ishido Teruhide/ gendiato or showato

[Hs132]

Hello all, my first post. I have pursued German and Japanese War items thru want ads for decades. He is a nice Katana by Ishido Teruhide I purchased from the family of the late Vet. a few months ago. I found info about the maker on Stein's site and it mentions him as a Betseki ranked maker in the 1943 rankings. Its in fine condition and a true combat used nihonto. Can the Beseki rank be further explained and the degree of value/desirability commented on? I believe there is a seki stamp on the tang but possibly a kao. All comments appreciated, Best, BIll Bourque

[Rich S]

As I tried to explain on the site, Betseki is an honorary ranking given

at that time to senior smiths. Ishido Teruhide blades have been papered

by NBTHK and are considered true gendaito. I used a civilian mounted

Teruhide as my iai sword for many years (back when I had knees that

actually worked :-) A very good and desirable smith. I don't think that

is an arsenal stamp at the end of the nakago; probably just an assembly

mark.

 

Rich S

[loiner1965]

fine looking sword and by a good smith,,,,but its not teruhide kao you see at the tang

http://www.geocities.com/alchemyst/teruhide.htm

[Hs132]

Hello Richard, thank you for your help, your site is of great assistance. I used your search function for the term betseki and came up with the rankings. Would it be right in saying highest ranking would be Genro followed in 4th place by betseki?

Best, Bill

[Rich S]

Bill -

 

Yes, betseki would be a fourth level ranking. But keep in mind that

this old ranking has no relationship to modern rankings in Fujishiro or

Hawley, etc. It is more just a listing of smiths working at this period.

As mentioned, betseki is one of the honorary rankings bestowed on

senior smiths of the period.

 

Rich S

[Hs132]

Hello Rich, thanks agian for the help. Best, Bill

[george trotter]

Hi, speaking of the mark on the tang of the Ishido Teruhide, it is the Japanese numeral for "4".

The sword looks nice. I also have owned one by him, it was in gunto mounts of the rare type shown on Ohmura's site, Blackened tsuba, fuch-kashira, ashi, ishidzuki and seme. Deep red/maroon scabbard colour and green binding. Spectacular.

I have also seen work by him which was of lesser quality, probably of western steel, but do not recall ever seeing any type of military acceptance stamp. He worked in Tokyo I think so would not have a "seki" stamp on his work. As Richard said, a nice find!

Regards,

George Trotter.