Japanese World War 2 Samurai Sword Identification Help!

[Ben1]

Hello, I believe what I have here is a WW2 Japanese Samurai Sword. I am new to Japanese Swords and know there is a lot around them, especially these WW2 era swords. I have posted a picture of the signature and a picture of the tang/blade, handle, and sheath. I think it is in rough shape but still find it cool. I posted a picture on Reddit and the tang was translated to:

“豊後住國茂作 = made by Kunishige, resident of Bungo”. There are no stamps on the other side but what remains is old green paint the faintly resembles 31. Could anyone shed some light onto what the type of sword is, who the maker is, and if the blade is traditionally made and how old. I really want to know if the sword was made specifically for WW2 or if it is an older blade that was brought to war. I would be greatly appreciative!

thanks,

Ben

 

P.S. I can post more pictures if needed

 

 

[Jcstroud]

Looks to be a nice kai- gunto naval sword could use a little oil.The experts should be  able to translate the Mei.

[Polaria]

Koshiare parts check out for kai gunto. Cannot say much for the blade.

[Bruce Pennington]

Looks like this is your guy:

"KUNISHIGE (国茂), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Ōita – “Kunishige” (国茂), family name Takeuchi (竹内), rikugun-jumei-tōshō, ryōkō no retsu (Akihide)"

 

Please remove the metal fittings from the blade and check above the smith name for a star stamp or any other small stamp.  I only have one other of his blades on file and it has a Showa stamp.  But he's listed as an RJT smith, so there could be a star.

 

No date on the other side?

 

As mentioned above, the fittings are Type 97 Japanese naval officer kaigunto.  You can read about them on Ohmura's site and see other examples:

http://ohmura-study.net/945.html

[Ben1]

@Bruce Pennington I took the handle apart about an hour ago to look at the signature again. I had the metal fittings off because the person who had it before me had them on backwards. I do not recall seeing any stamp and I looked it over pretty good! The other side only shows a very faint green 31. Was this a well known maker? Also, do you think this is a machine made blade or was it traditionally made?

thanks!

Edited November 10 by Ben1

[Bruce Pennington]

Thanks for the update, Ben.

I don't really study the smiths, but he's RJT qualified and likely made nice blades.  Since the one I have has a showa stamp, we can see he made both traditional and non-traditional blades.  His rating was ryōkō no retsu.  That was the one in the green below.  Some of the other guys may be able to give you a sense of it's meaning.  If you'll post a couple of clear, close-ups showing the hamon (temper line) we MIGHT be able to make a guess.

 

• shinpin no retsu (神品の列) Supreme masterworks
• kihin-jōi (貴品上位) Superior precious works
• kihin no retsu (貴品の列) Precious works
• jōko no jōi (上工の上位) Superior master
• jōkō no retsu (上工の列) Master
• ryōkō no jōi (良工の上位) Superior skilled artisan
• ryōkō no retsu (良工の列) Skilled artisan

[Ben1]

3 hours ago, Bruce Pennington said:

Looks like this is your guy:

"KUNISHIGE (国茂), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Ōita – “Kunishige” (国茂), family name Takeuchi (竹内), rikugun-jumei-tōshō, ryōkō no retsu (Akihide)"

 

Please remove the metal fittings from the blade and check above the smith name for a star stamp or any other small stamp.  I only have one other of his blades on file and it has a Showa stamp.  But he's listed as an RJT smith, so there could be a star.

 

No date on the other side?

 

As mentioned above, the fittings are Type 97 Japanese naval officer kaigunto.  You can read about them on Ohmura's site and see other examples:

http://ohmura-study.net/945.html

@Bruce Pennington As stated in my last comment there is no other stamps. I attached a few pictures for you and others to view! Let me know what you think of this sword!

[Jcstroud]

Looks like it was derusted using course sandpaper.could use a good polish.

[Bruce Pennington]

Thanks Ben!  It's possible it is a gendaito.  I don't see any of the telltale dark spots in the hamon, although the sanding job might be obscuring that.

[Ben1]

On 11/19/2024 at 10:48 AM, Bruce Pennington said:

Thanks Ben!  It's possible it is a gendaito.  I don't see any of the telltale dark spots in the hamon, although the sanding job might be obscuring that.

Hi, thanks for the reply. I was given the sword by someone and they wanted to get rid of it. They of course hit it with the classic sandpaper move as a few have mentioned due to it rusting. I wish they hadn’t. I just find it hard to believe it isn’t traditionally made. I am going to reach out to some reputable sword polisher and have them look at it and if they say it can be polished to make the hamon show through better or if they will at all, I’ll fork up the money for it. I know it’ll be expensive but if it is a traditional blade and it can be restored I would like to as I have no need to sell it and I’ll keep it over my mantle. If I do and once I get it back I can post some pictures of it!