Post-war PX sword - numbered '99'

[grapppa]

Found another post-war PX/souvenir sword.  Typical characteristics; no signature; serial number 99.  Two mekugi ana.  Naval stamped.  Notice the roman numerals on the habaki representing 99 -   XIIII  XIIII,

[grapppa]

Additional photos

[John C]

Interesting one. I'm sure I'll be corrected, however I have not seen one with two mekugi-ana before. In addition, does the nakago look as if it has been welded on then filed? What does that look like to you guys?

 

John C.

[Ron M]

John it looks like it may be glue residue or some kind of adhesive. 

[grapppa]

It looks like welded then filed ... 

[John C]

@Bruce Pennington @Jcstroud Thoughts?

 

John C.

[Bruce Pennington]

18 hours ago, grapppa said:

Additional photos

Thanks Paul!  Any chance there is a photo of the end of the tsuka with the fuchi removed.  My latest obsession is tracking the kanji and numbers on the wood to see if the 80 or so "series of 100s" can be tracked.

 

I can't say I've seen a double ana either, though I seem to forget more than I'll ever know about this stuff lately.  As to the possible weld - I have found that photos can create illusions quite easily, so while it's a possibility, I'd leave it at that until better intel can be acquired.

 

Edit: Just realized I have this one on file from a Poulin Auction.  It came with an all brown tassel.  Their photos weren't as detailed as these, to thanks for the additional shots.  

 

Are you in contact with the new owner?  If so, can you ask for a shot of the wooden tsuka end?

[grapppa]

First, disclosure - this is the Poulin sword  It is definitely welded then filed;  was this part of their recycling of otherwise defective swords? Or was it because they had a matching tsuka for the tang and they recycled that???  Pic of tsuka mouth wooden side...number 99 on left; is that a 7 on the right?

[Bruce Pennington]

Excellent Paul, thanks!  Yes a 七 on the right side.  Maybe some of our translators can recognize the katakana at the top of the number?

@Kiipu @BANGBANGSAN @SteveM

 

As to the reason for a welded nakago - your speculation is as good as mine.  Tenshozan got a contract for 8,000+ blades in post-war Japan.  I would imagine they did all sorts of stuff to make that happen.

[BANGBANGSAN]

5 hours ago, Bruce Pennington said:

Maybe some of our translators can recognize the katakana at the top of the number?

 

It looks like 7 ， matching  the 七 on the right.