Japanese Sword Identification

[Cimino]

Trying to get any information on this sword. My grandfather brought it back from Japan at the end of WW2. I don’t have the details on how he acquired it. A coworker was able to get me a translation of the tang through a close personal Japanese friend. This is what she sent me. “濃州関住二十三代藤原兼房作之(Noushu Sekiju 23dai Fujiwara Kanefusa sakuno)
It is the name, the manufacturer of the sword. It seems it says it is made by Fujiwara Kanefusa.  It also says he is a Fujiwara 23rd generation of noted swordmaker family in Noushu, now Gifu prefecture.  I am not familiar with Japanese history, but it is very interesting to know that your co-worker has historically precious thing in America.  I hope it helps!”

Any information is greatly appreciated!

 

Chris

[ChrisW]

From Japanese Sword Index:

"The Kanefusa lineage of swordsmiths of Mino Province dates back to the Muromachi era in the 1400's. The 23rd generation Kanefusa worked during the WW II era and was a direct descendant of this famous line of swordsmiths. This lineage continues today with the 25th generation Kanefusa. The 23rd generation Kanefusa's name was Kato Koichi. He was born in 1900. During the Showa period he studied under Kato Jumyo and worked in Seki (Mino / modern Gifu prefecture). During the war years he made many blades for the military, both army and navy, and for civil officials. He won numerous awards in sword exhibitions and contests during this period. He was ranked 1st Seat (National Swordsmith) in the 6th Exhibition of Swords held in 1941 (Slough). He was ranked Kibin no Retsu in 1942 by Kurihara Hikosaburo at the Tosho Banzuke (J.Kim). Many of his blades are signed as being prize winning blades. Blades by the 23rd generation Kanefusa have received origami from the NBTHK or NTHK. This school of swordsmiths is noted for making a special style of hamon known as "Kanefusa midare".

 

There are several blades known made by Noshu Seki 23rd Generation Kanefusa which have the kiku-sui crest carved as a horimono on the blade (not on the nakago). These blades were not made at the Minatogawa Jinja Tanrensho and have no known connection with it. These swords probably were a special order from a group of naval officers or a naval officer's club associated with the Minatogawa battleship. This same style Minatogawa crest is occasionally found on blades by Asano Kanesane. These are also thought to be special order blades and not associated with the Minatogawa Jinja.

 

Among signatures on the 23rd Generation Kanefusa blades are:

 

• Kanefusa
• Fujiwara Kanefusa
• Noshu Seki ju Fujiwara Kanefusa
• Seki ju Ni ju San Dai Kanefusa
• Noshu Seki ju Ni Ju San Dai Fujiwara Kanefusa saku kore
  (oshigata shown left)

   

Some blades bear inscriptions about awards or being prize winning blades. Sho or Seki tang stamps may appear on the nakago. Some of his blades were signed nakirishi mei. He forged both traditionally made gendaito and non-traditionally made showato using mill steel, thus each blade must be judged on its own merits. Kanefusa blades are found mounted in shin-gunto (army) or kai-gunto (navy) koshirae and shirasaya. The 23rd generation Kanefusa is listed in the Toko Taikan, in Hawley's Japanese Swordsmiths, and the Nihonto Meikan. "

 

 

 

Kanefusa produced medium to high-grade showato and medium to high-grade gendaito. As for which your sword is? It would have to be judged in-hand to have a proper opinion rendered. But if there is a noted lack of Seki or Sho stamps, then it speaks more towards the possibility of gendai but it is not conclusive on its own. The present of nie/nioi, hada, and other particle activities would be conclusive.

 

Also, I recognize that you're new to this, so some terminology:

Showato = mass produced, machine assisted swords made in a non-traditional manner. They are worth less than gendaito and are usually made considerably less well.

Gendaito = hand made, traditionally made swords made of tamehagane. Made during the last few years of the 1800s and up to the end of 1945. They have all the characteristics of older-made Japanese swords and are worth considerably more than showato.

I THINK I can see particle activities, but that call should only be made in-hand. You can directly message me if you need more assistance.

~Chris

[Cimino]

Thanks! Emailing now. 

[mecox]

Chris's, more on Kanefusa and background:

 

[Cimino]

Awesome thank you!