Sword ID Request

[Spetsnazdan]

Good evening;

 

I inherited a pair of swords from my Grandfather who was part of the occupation postwar. 

 

 

The first sword is in traditional fittings and is about 30 inches in length. I've been told that my Grandfather unfortunately used the sword for cutting weeds and it has nicks, grime, faded polish and rust because of it.

 

I would greatly appreciate any help translating the signature as well as any other information about the sword or care for it to prevent further damage.

 

One day I would like to send the blade off to a professional for polish and repair but given what I've read about $$/" that day is awhile off.

 

Happy to take and provide additional pictures as requested.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second I believe is an army Type 19 Kyu Gunto parade sword; from what little I've read I'm guessing it's not worth trying to remove the grips to look for a signature or other information?

 

[mywei]

Musashi daijo Fujiwara Korekazu

 

Shinto, Ishido school

[Spetsnazdan]

Thank you mywei!

 

https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/KOR18

[Conway S]

Dan, 

 

Does the Kyu guntō have any stamps above the blade on the guard? Sometimes they will have a maker/retailers stamp there. 

 

Conway

[Spetsnazdan]

On 8/8/2023 at 9:44 PM, Conway S said:

Dan, 

 

Does the Kyu guntō have any stamps above the blade on the guard? Sometimes they will have a maker/retailers stamp there. 

 

Conway

The blade and guard are completely devoid of markings/stamps; the patterns on the guard looked like ID'd army kyu guntō guards in Dawson's book but I'm not 100% sure.

[Conway S]

@Spetsnazdan

 

Dan, 

 

The backstrap (top of the hilt) will tell you if it is an Army vs. a police sword. Police swords have a badge and Army a cherry blossom. Additionally, police have 5 petal blossoms on the side of the hilt whereas Army have 10 petals. If you have Dawson's book you will be able to easily tell the difference.

 

Conway