WW2 Military sword

[purdo]

Hi there, my Dad's neighbours father who was  a WW2 Captain, was handed this sword in Papua New Guinea when the Japanese surrendered.

She has asked if we could translate the markings? 

She gave it to her kids and they have destroyed the Tsuka, so she has regained possession. 

Hopefully she will leave it in my Dad's possession.

[purdo]

We have hand copied the markings.

[Bugyotsuji]

Good job, nicely done! 

Seki Ju Kanenao saku

関住兼直作

Made by Kanenao living in Seki.

[purdo]

Bugyotsuji you are amazing thank you so much!

[ROKUJURO]

Looks like a WWII sword. It seems to have an arsenal stamp.

[The Blacksmith]

It may be possible to source a new tsuka (handle) for this via the forum. It would certainly be worth a try.

[Bruce Pennington]

If possible, could I get a clear shot of that small stamp near the top.  It's likely a 'Showa' stamp.  Most blades with this stamp were made in 1940-41.

[Kiipu]

Placing a collect call to our resident Mino man.

@mecox

 

Kanenao, Ishihara Kanenao (兼直 石原 金直) KAN 1733

Born on 25 May, 1908 (Meiji 41), registered as a Seki tosho 27 October, 1939 (S14.10.27) age 31, and was living at Miagi, Tomioka-mura, Kamo-gun.  Said to have been trained under Amaike Masatsune.  He made some naval swords early on but later mostly worked in Seki on shingunto; Seki stamps.

Cox, Malcolm E. Japanese Naval Swords, WW 2: Swordsmiths & Workshops. Part 1. 2021.

[Stephen]

David McDonald could build a tsuka for you, might even have menuki for a gunto

[purdo]

  On 1/29/2024 at 1:48 PM, Bruce Pennington said:

If possible, could I get a clear shot of that small stamp near the top.  It's likely a 'Showa' stamp.  Most blades with this stamp were made in 1940-41.

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[Bruce Pennington]

Yes, a very clear Showa stamp.  Thanks!