information regarding Japanese sword

[dwm]

I am new to the board and have recently acquired a Japanese sword. I know little about the sword but was given to me from a widow of a WWII veteran that brought it from Japan. I don't think it is a military issued sword (no serial numbers) however I do not know much else. I have attached links to 4 pictures, 2 are of writing under the handle and 2 are of the sword overall. It does have some rust but have now wiped the sword blade with gun oil to protect. I am hesitant to do anything to the sword until I find more information. One person told me the emblems in the handle appear to be in reverse order from what he has seen before and thought that unusual. If anyone can provide information from the pics, I would greatly appreciate it. I have taken more pics of the furniture but have only included the ones listed.

 

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/7108/leftr.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/1047/leftside.jpg

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/9729/rightz.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9139/rightsidei.jpg

 

Thanks,

Doug

[John A Stuart]

Hi Doug, You have certainly started with the right attitude, a light oil and nothing else until you get mre information about your sword. No links or pics as of yet. John

[mdiddy]

Doug,

 

Looks to me like you have a civilian-mounted Showa period (WWII-era) Japanese sword. The signature is Seki ju KaneMasa Saku (KaneMasa of Seki made this) and dated Showa Jugo Nen Ku Gatsu (September 1940). The stamp above the mekugi-ana (peghole) is a showa stamp indicating WWII timeframe as well as some insight into manufacture materials/technique.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Matt

[Nobody]

...... dated Showa Jugo Nen Ku Gatsu (September 1940). ......

---> ... Roku Gatsu (June ....).