Decipher Characters on This Tang

[Rjizzle10]

Hey,

 

I’ve got this Shin Gunto that was broughtback and been sitting in a case for most of its time back. It doesn’t have a scabbard. Blade is somewhat rough. 
 

The tang is rusted but well marked. I’m looking to get more info on the sword and translation on the markings.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Rjizzle10]

[Rjizzle10]

[Rjizzle10]

[Rjizzle10]

[Rjizzle10]

[Rjizzle10]

[Rjizzle10]

[Shugyosha]

Hi RJ,

Welcome to the forum.

 

It looks like one of these but the gunto guys will be along in a while to confirm as army swords aren't me field of interest: https://www.japaneseswordindex.com/koa.htm

 

Date reads: 昭和辛巳春 Showa Kanoto-mi haru - Spring 1941. Showa is the nengo period with the year being written using the Chinese sexagenary calendar characters.

 

On the back of the tang is the katakan "tsu" and the production number: ツ [四]三八 - it looks like 438 with the "4" being eroded or worn away.

 

I hope that gets you started.

[DTM72]

@Bruce Pennington Mantetsu stamp alert!

 

@Rjizzle10 I am in Charleston, SC. Where in SC are you located?

[Bruce Pennington]

Yes, a Koa Isshin Mantetsu.  John's link has a nice summary about them.  There is more here: Ohmura site: Koa Isshin Blade.  And thanks to several guys here at NMB, we've got an extensive write-up on them here:

 

[Rjizzle10]

Thanks, I’ll have to do some reading on that because I’ve never heard of it. Looks interesting. Thank you for the information! 
 

@DTM72 From Greenville, SC