How do identify this sword

[Jangly]

Wanting to find history of this sword 

[Kiipu]

義治 = Yoshiharu.

[mecox]

Jan, looks like this smith:   YOSHIHARU (義治), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Tottori – “Yoshiharu” (義治), family name Mitani (三谷), became a rikugun jumei tōsho.   Not much info on him.  There were a few others, need to check them.

Found another on Meirin Sangyo web:    - Yoshiharu (Sun Rokukane Motosha) Yoshiharu - Mail order of Japan swords Meirin Sangyo Co., Ltd. (nipponto.co.jp)

Yoshiharu swordsmith is from Tottori Prefecture, whose real name is Yoshiharu Mitani. He was given the title of Kokukoin Membership Daishō Takumi, but unfortunately it was not revived after the war. 

         

                         

 

[Kiipu]

Mal, I think this is the Tōkyō maker that made economy swords for the war effort.  Associated with the use of the yamagata M marking.  Below are my notes for this swordsmith.

 

Quote

In 1937 there was a shop in Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō 渋谷区新橋町二六, that was run by Yoneda Yosaburō 米田･與三郎.  Mr. Yoneda used the mei of Minamoto Yoshiharu 源義治.  He had 8 workers, was capitalized at ¥5,000, and could manufacture 240 swords per month.  He started production at this Shibuya location in 1927.

 

X

[mecox]

Thomas, I am  not sure... here  examples of Tokyo / Toto mei.   Also in Chris Bowens Tokyo Kindai Tosho there is a Yoshiharu  義治 in the XI Yoshichika Group.  I assume he is the "Toto" man.

 

               http ://www.japaneses...shigata/yoshharu.jpg

 

      

[Jangly]

The reason I’m trying to find history because I’ve been offered the sword to purchase and trying to figure out the fair price

[PNSSHOGUN]

This looks to be one of the standard Yoshiharu swords, oil tempered with thick applied Hamon. Wouldn't pay more than 1000-1200aud.

[David Flynn]

Nijimei, Yoshiharu, That I have seen are Gendaito. Even with the W stamp.  There are several  Yoshiharu, so it's hard to generalise.

[Nihonto Chicken]

Yoshiharu rides again!  My comment on the last sighting:

 

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/37014-ww2-era-tang-translation-help/#comment-465553

[Kiipu]

Hi Mal, I think that is the prewar signature used by Yoshiharu 義治.  All the ones I have seen are undated while the later military contract signatures use the short signature.

Translation assistance with WW2 Oficers Katana

&

The Mysterious "w" Stamp!

[Jangly]

Thanks again for the awesome information I’m just getting a little overwhelmed by what it all means.

Also becoming a little obsessive search in different sites and following links and information that has been put up here. I’m sure I feel you understand. So very interesting.

 

Going to repost some of the photos just to ask for more clarity on the individual signatures and also the 184 number which is consistent through all the pieces.

There are no other markings on the other side

Thanks again in advance. Love your work. 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Close up photos of the blade will show for sure. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Jan,

To refocus on your original question, the sword is called a Type 98 Japanese officer sword, or gunto (gun: Army; to: sword)  You can read up on them on Ohmura's fabulous site:

Military Swords of Imperial Japan (Guntō) (ohmura-study.net)

 

A great place to learn terms:

THE Japanese SWORD GUIDE (japaneseswordindex.com)

 

A broad search of ebay will show you a general value.  Gunto with non-traditionally made blades (showato) go, on average, $900-1,800 USD.  Gunto with traditionally made blades run higher, like $2,00-2,800 USD.