Grandfathers Sword

[DocDeCon]

Hello all. I just inherited my grandfather’s Shin Gunto. I have done some digging for my self and appears to be to my eye gendaito. I believe I have it translated correctly and would like some feedback as I cannot find any info on the smith. 
 

my translation is as follows:

 

Rikugun Jumei Tosho

 

showa 19 ni gatsu

Noshu Ju Kaneshige

[vajo]

I'm sure its not Kaneshige.

I search for another.
 

[mecox]

Doc, well done, looks to be:  “Kaneshige” (金重), real name Nishimura Jin´ichi (西村仁一), born July 15th 1902.  Registered as a Seki swordsmith on Showa 17 (1942) February 5.  This blade has a star stamp, which indicates that it is traditionally made, and he did become a rikugun-jumei-tōshō.   He died April 28th 1982 age 79.

Date is Showa Ju Kyu Nen Ni Gatsu Hi  "a day Showa 19 (1944) February".  The are at least two other Kaneshige who sign with different "Kane" and also a Takasaki Kaneshige same "Kane" but different "Shige"  posted here on 29 June.  Looks like you have a nice blade.

On looking further I see this is also read as 

金重 (Kinju)

西村 仁一

[DocDeCon]

mecox...thank you, I spent almost 3 days trying to figure it out.  I appreciate you taking the time to help me figure it out as well.  I will take some good pictures of the blade, koshirae etc and post them as well.  I got tripped up with the Kinju mei as well.  I do not have books as of yet, so being able to find the smith was tricky.  Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.

[Bruce Pennington]

I see at least 3 Kaneshige on the RJT list, but no "Kinju", and while not all RJT smiths are on that list, I'd default to Kaneshige, going with the odds and with Mal's research.  Oh, and BTW, yours is the first RJT Kaneshige I've seen, so thanks for posting!

 

@DocDeCon - Can you show an overall view of the fittings for my files?  

 

Also, a minor, but useful technical note, please edit your profile with a real first name.  NMB is a bit of a family, and we like to talk to real people! Thanks!

[vajo]

Mal, i had my problems with that kanji for shige

 

looks more like "nao"

[DocDeCon]

2 hours ago, Bruce Pennington said:

I see at least 3 Kaneshige on the RJT list, but no "Kinju", and while not all RJT smiths are on that list, I'd default to Kaneshige, going with the odds and with Mal's research.  Oh, and BTW, yours is the first RJT Kaneshige I've seen, so thanks for posting

MINO KANESHIGE TACHI RV

 

also referenced on this site quoting Hawley

 

https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/KAN538

 

I will be working on posting full detailed pictures later on today...thank you for the advice I will take it into consideration.  God Bless

[DocDeCon]

@mecox Thanks again for your help.  I am curious if you referenced a book in your research.  If so which one.  I have found a couple copies of Hawleys book at around $1000.  Too steep for me

[DocDeCon]

[DocDeCon]

[DocDeCon]

[Bruce Pennington]

3 hours ago, DocDeCon said:

MINO KANESHIGE TACHI RV

 

also referenced on this site quoting Hawley

 

https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/KAN538

Thanks Paul!  Now I have 2 on file.  Nice Type 98 fittings, too!  I appreciate it.

[vajo]

I have some doubts that this sword is from mino kaneshige.

Maybe from another Kaneshige? 

The Kanji are different in the style and the yasurime (file marks) didn't fit.

Maybe it is signed from another person?

 

 

[DocDeCon]

@vajo you could be correct. But to me the handwriting looks to be the same as well. The only difference that I am seeing is that it appears that the chisel used on mine was more blunt. That would make sense to me. Thank you for your input

[Bruce Pennington]

I see the differences, Chris.  Maybe a rookie mei-cutter?