Any help would be great

[estcrh]

I need some help with this sword, I have taken pictures of the stamp and signature, I hope they are clear, if not let me know and I will try to take better pics, thanks for any assistance, eric t

[goose710]

I see a Seki stamp.

charles l grusovnik

(aka Da Gooseman)

[estcrh]

Thanks, I get a little confused as to the stamps, can anyone here enlighten me as to what this stamp might signify?

[Henry Wilson]

関 This stamp is read seki and is in the second picture. If I am not mistaken, it suggests the sword was made during the 30 / 40's as part of Japan's war effort.

[Wim V]

Hi,

 

I think the inscription on the nakago reads: 関 石原兼直作

 

transcription: Seki (stamp) Ishihara Kanenao Saku

 

He is one of the WWII Seki smiths listed in the Showa oshigata database on Dr. Stein's website.

 

See: http://home.earthlink.net/~ttstein/kanenao2.jpg

 

Best regards,

 

Wim

[estcrh]

Thanks for the help, so from what I have read, a seki stamp means that this sword is not a traditional blade due to the type of steel used to make it, but it can still be hand made in the traditional method? I am trying to find out if this sword which has not been treated to well is worth putting any work into.