Sword identification

[drewas]

Wow! What a great site for information on Japanese swords. I am settling comfortably into middle-age and finally getting around to things I've been intending to do for some time. I acquired a sword from the widow of a WWII vet who brought it back from New Guinea. That's all the info I have. I have had it in my collection for almost 30 years. I was told once by a gentleman who seemed somewhat knowledgeable that the blade was from the Edo period, 17th or 18th century and the fittings from the late 19th century. I have tried to keep in properly stored and it is in the same condition in which I first acquired it. Although I consider myself a history buff and somewhat knowledgeable on some subjects, this isn't one of them. Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[stekemest]

Hi drewas!

I think better pictures of the sword including details such as hamon (if visible) and nakago (tang) are needed. Can you remove the handle?

[Gunome]

Hello,

 

the blade was from the Edo period, 17th or 18th century and the fittings from the late 19th century.

Maybe for the blade, but fitting looks gunto ones (WWII).

From far the hamon looks interesting :D :D

Waiting for better pictures to confirme.

 

Sebastien

[drewas]

Less than an hour for a reply! I'm impressed and apreciative. I've taken a few photos that you requested. I want you to know that I am interested in learning about this sword for the sake of better appreciating what I have. I intend to pass it on in the family one day and would like to know more about it before that time comes. Thank you very much for any help.

 

R. Hatcher

[stekemest]

That seems to be a gendai blade that fits the gunto koshirae. The complete package seems to have been made around ww2 era, not earlier than 20th century. Can't figure out the smith name yet, but someone else will surely tell you who made the sword.

[drewas]

Although probably less interesting, here is a photo of the handle.

[stekemest]

That's a usual WW2 gunto handle.

I don't know how much you know about these swords. "Gunto" are swords that were used by ww2 officers and that resembled earlier samurai swords (tachi). They often had machine made blades, but sometimes traditional (nihonto) blades were used, antique or modern ones. Yours seems to be such a traditionally made blade, just not as old as you probably thought.

[drewas]

Thanks for the help, Peter. I know much more now than I did yesterday and I have a place to start to research the subject futher. I'll probably have more questions later, but now I have to start reading on the subject. I also hope to identify the smith from the kanji. I have a friend who is Japanese and he might be able to help me with a translation.

 

I'll post ant new info that I come up with. Thanks again.

 

Ralph H.

[stekemest]

Hi Ralph,

 

If you want to decipher the kanji yourself, you might check out http://www.geocities.com/alchemyst/kanji/kanji1.htm. It will take a while comparing all the characters, though.

[Nobody]

The smith's name is Sato Kanesumi (佐藤兼住), one of WWII swordsmiths in Seki.

[drewas]

Thank you, Mr. Moriyama.

[drewas]

This is going to be a steep learning curve, it seems. One problem is the terminology that is unfamiliar. The glossary here is helpful, but not complete. In reading I keep coming upon the words hada and hamon and the context leads me to believe that they have something to do with the polish of the blade or the temper marks along the edge. Can you help me with this? In one refererence the adjectives "oily" and "bumpy" were used in relation to these terms. What the heck?!

 

I don't want to be a pest. Is there a reference you could suggest that might help a newby?

[sencho]

Use Dr. Steins site for a good glossary of terms...

 

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

 

Also scroll to the bottom of the glossary page.... click 'home' and start selecting sections to read.... your education will take a great leap forward!!

 

Cheers!

[drewas]

Thanks. That should keep me busy for awhile.

 

Ralph

[george trotter]

Hi Ralph, you have a nice sword to begin your research with. When you are on Rich Stein's site you should find a link to a Seki Tosho site (WWII Seki (town) swordsmiths) provided by Dr Jinsoo Kim. Look through the 280 odd maker's names listed there and you will, with a little practise, find your man's full name (his art name and personal/family names) listed. If you have any questions, eg, when he started his career making swords for the military at Seki town in Gifu Prefecture (just up behind Nagoya),just post them and we will be pleased to help you with stuff you can't find yourself. Since you are obviously excited by your sword I think it is important that you get the pleasure of looking stuff up yourself, finding your guy yourself and then seeking answers from the forum for the "hard" questions.

Have fun,

Regards George Trotter

[drewas]

Great, George. Thanks. I am enjoying the pursuit for more information and am picking up some of the lingo, too. I am disappointed that the sword is not as old as I thought, but I believe it is gendaito, at least.

[Xenomorph117]

I know I'm little late but... I recently purchased a nihonto in shirasaya forged by Sato Kanesumi in Shōwa 42 and let me tell you something this sword is absolutely gorgeous...

[Nobody]

13 hours ago, Xenomorph117 said:

I know I'm little late but... I recently purchased a nihonto in shirasaya forged by Sato Kanesumi in Shōwa 42 and let me tell you something this sword is absolutely gorgeous...

 

 

Sato Kanezumi did not make swords after the end of WWII (Showa 20).

[Brian]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/226054571397
Shows still for sale?

I'd go with the info that Moriyama san gives.

 

[Nobody]

30 minutes ago, Brian said:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/226054571397
Shows still for sale?

I'd go with the info that Moriyama san gives.

 

I understand that the seller’s explanation is incorrect. Showa 42 is the year when the sword was registered.