Help identify

[Reefishere]

I hope this is not too tricky. Both of these swords are a mystery to me. Can somebody please help me identify their authenticity and origins. my trouble in my research has been looking mismatched and they’re being so many different different types of gunto. Any information would be appreciated.  Thanks. 

[Reefishere]

My main goal is to determine these swords history, value and authenticity. Any info is appreciated. 

[Ray Singer]

This one may be signed 藤原金重 - Fujiwara Kinju

 

 

 

[Ray Singer]

And you can learn about WWII Gunto koshirae (mountings) here.

http://ohmura-study.net/900.html

[Conway S]

Sherif, 

 

The other is a lightweight parade sword in shin gunto mounts. See the below reference. I also have one that looks very similar to this example. Very cool! @Shamsy@Bruce Pennington
 

Conway

 

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/22122-paradelight-weight-gunto/#comment-225012

[Bruce Pennington]

I can only assume that $83 was laid out to imply it would be sent in after our help!  Ha! 

 

The hash marks are modified Roman numerals for "40", which matches the stamped 40 on the chuso (latch).

 

You might want to post that over on the NIHONTO FORUM for further evaluation as that name was used from the 1300s to the 1800s

[Reefishere]

1 hour ago, Ray Singer said:

This one may be signed 藤原金重 - Fujiwara Kinju

 

 

 

Thanks for the help. Was this a known maker by chance and do you have any estimate on its age. The blade is a few  inches shorter that its scabbard and the fit is not snug. Thanks again. 

[Reefishere]

1 hour ago, Bruce Pennington said:

I can only assume that $83 was laid out to imply it would be sent in after our help!  Ha! 

 

The hash marks are modified Roman numerals for "40", which matches the stamped 40 on the chuso (latch).

 

You might want to post that over on the NIHONTO FORUM for further evaluation as that name was used from the 1300s to the 1800s

Hahaha , thank you so much for the help. I will definitely post on the other forum once I get home.  do they look authentic to you ?and also could you tell me what the number means? 

[Reefishere]

1 hour ago, Conway S said:

Sherif, 

 

The other is a lightweight parade sword in shin gunto mounts. See the below reference. I also have one that looks very similar to this example. Very cool! @Shamsy@Bruce Pennington
 

Conway

 

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/22122-paradelight-weight-gunto/#comment-225012

Thank you so much Conway. Can you tell if these look authentic in your opinion? The one that’s signed is smaller than the scabbard it’s in, is that a red flag ?

[ROKUJURO]

11 minutes ago, Reefishere said:

.......The one that’s signed is smaller than the scabbard it’s in......

It would be a problem if it was the other way round! 

[Reefishere]

3 hours ago, Ray Singer said:

This one may be signed 藤原金重 - Fujiwara Kinju

 

 

 

Thank you so much for the response, does this look authentic to you and is this a known maker ?

[Ray Singer]

There were several swordsmiths who used this mei. I do not know which made this sword however the blade appears to be Shinto (early Edo period). 

[Bruce Pennington]

2 hours ago, Reefishere said:

Was this a known maker by chance and do you have any estimate on its age.

I answered that already, just before your post - that name was used from the 1300s to the 1800s - that's why you need to have the guys at the Nihoto forum look it over

 

They are both legit.  The stamped numbers are assembly numbers put there to keep the custom fitted parts together as they go through production process.  Each blade is slightly different from the next, so fittings are customized to fit a specific blade.  The numbers keep them together with the blade.

 

The size difference is due to the fact that the signed blade is an old family blade that had to be retrofitted in military gear.  Sometimes this was done at an arsenal, sometimes at a private shop.  Whoever did this one might not have had the time or resources to make an exact fit.  

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Sherif,

Here you will find a brochure: Care and Cleaning, that will help you with proper handling: https://nbthk-ab2.or...ord-characteristics/

Cheers, Grey

[BANGBANGSAN]

On 7/24/2024 at 3:48 AM, Reefishere said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

@Bruce Pennington

Did you notice the #40 XXXX?

[Bruce Pennington]

7 hours ago, BANGBANGSAN said:

Did you notice the #40 XXXX?

Yes, already saved to the files!  Thanks, though!

[Bugyotsuji]

One Fujiwara Kaneshige (Kinjū) here for example:

https://www.e-sword....katana/2210-1172.htm

[Reefishere]

On 7/27/2024 at 7:47 AM, Bruce Pennington said:

Yes, already saved to the files!  Thanks, though!

 

On 7/27/2024 at 12:29 AM, BANGBANGSAN said:

@Bruce Pennington

Did you notice the #40 XXXX?

Is that interesting?

[Bruce Pennington]

It is just something I track, and maybe others. There were a variety of ways that shops marked their fittings to keep them with a blade as it goes through the outfitting process. The Roman numerals are a little unique, but not rare.