Inherited a WW2 Japanese Sword, need help with the writing on the tang

[Dawn]

I have no ideal about this sword, it was kept in my mom garage. She got it from her father who was a sniper in ww2. I also have a picture of him with this sword and other items in the newspaper back in the 40’s after the war. The sword isn’t in great shape. Thank you 😊 

[Ray Singer]

This appears to be a showato arsenal blade by Tsuguhiro. The blade itself dates to the 1940s (as you indicated). It is not a fully traditionally made Japanese sword, but is an authentic antique of that time period. 

[k morita]

Hi,

関住伊神貞弘作　(Seki-ju  Igami / Ikami  Sadahiro  saku )

[Ray Singer]

Thank you Morita-san, I have not seen Sada expressed that way. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Judging by the handguard (tsuba), it appears to be a Type 98 Japanese officer sword (gunto).  You can see examples, and read about them here: Army commissioned officers Shin-Guntō (Type 98 Guntō) 1938 (ohmura-study.net)

 

The partial stamp at the top is the Showa stamp, an inspection/approval stamp of the Seki Cutlery Manufacturers Association.  When the war started expanding in the late '30s, increasing sword demand prompted a rush to produce swords.  The general sword industry became alarmed at some poor quality blades hitting the market and aske the Association to start inspecting blades for quality.  While likely not traditionally made, blades with this stamp tend to be nice and of good quality.  Most blades with dates and this stamp were made in 1940-41.

 

[Dawn]

On 4/17/2024 at 5:17 PM, Ray Singer said:

This appears to be a showato arsenal blade by Tsuguhiro. The blade itself dates to the 1940s (as you indicated). It is not a fully traditionally made Japanese sword, but is an authentic antique of that time period. 

Thank you

[Dawn]

On 4/18/2024 at 9:13 AM, Bruce Pennington said:

Judging by the handguard (tsuba), it appears to be a Type 98 Japanese officer sword (gunto).  You can see examples, and read about them here: Army commissioned officers Shin-Guntō (Type 98 Guntō) 1938 (ohmura-study.net)

 

The partial stamp at the top is the Showa stamp, an inspection/approval stamp of the Seki Cutlery Manufacturers Association.  When the war started expanding in the late '30s, increasing sword demand prompted a rush to produce swords.  The general sword industry became alarmed at some poor quality blades hitting the market and aske the Association to start inspecting blades for quality.  While likely not traditionally made, blades with this stamp tend to be nice and of good quality.  Most blades with dates and this stamp were made in 1940-41.

 

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for sending me the website to read more about this type of blade.