An odd Katana for my collection

[KB1107]

Hello all,

 

It’s been a while since I’ve posted here… I picked up a new addition to my collection yesterday. This katana was for sale in an auction and I decided to make a bid at the last minute. To my surprise, I won it for $520.00 (just me and one other bidder). Anyways, the nakago is signed by Fukumoto Kanemune and a seki stamp is also present (Clearly a Showa blade). A decent Harimono and BONJI are an added plus. The tsuba is clearly civilian and not military… as also is the tsuka and saya (the saya leather covering is a bit worn and has a break).
 

So… in my opinion, there’s also some military looks to this piece as well. The sarute looks as though it was added at some point and also the brown leather cover to the saya. Is it possible that this was initially a civilian sword that was converted to a military piece? Is it a “pieced” together sword? An odd piece for sure. The blade itself is in pretty decent condition… with exception to some staining from fingers touching the metal.
 

 

[KB1107]

Here’s a few more after a little oil and wipe down

[Mark S.]

Not trying to be negative, but horimono has a very rudimentary feel to it.  Of course horimono are not my area of study so I will be interested in opinions of those with more experience, especially with later blades.

[Brian]

I think it's that usual wartime one we see, but polished down a bit.

[David Flynn]

I think it's just lower quality.

[KB1107]

Thanks for the responses.

 

Yes, I agree that the quality is low on all the etching on this sword. I would expect it during the war effort… I’m surprised seeing this type of etching on a war blade. This is the only wartime piece I have with a Horimono and Bonji etching. Being that I’m primarily a military collector… I’m thrilled to place it in my collection.

[Tensho]

I saw this for sale as well. Imo, its pieced together. I have been seeing a few showato coming out of Japan in civilian mounts within the past few years.

 

The horimono is either very low quality or has been polished down. . If this had its original mounts even with the issues I probably would've bid on it too. 

[Mark S.]

1 hour ago, KB1107 said:

Thanks for the responses.

 

Yes, I agree that the quality is low on all the etching on this sword. I would expect it during the war effort… I’m surprised seeing this type of etching on a war blade. This is the only wartime piece I have with a Horimono and Bonji etching. Being that I’m primarily a military collector… I’m thrilled to place it in my collection.

Once again, I am not trying to point out only negatives, but possible it was added later to ‘gussy it up’ for the tourist/GI trade.  Speculation though. 

[KB1107]

Yes, anything is possible. It’s a mystery that nobody will truly know. The piece was purchased about 10 years from the seller at a gun show. He too believes it’s a piece together sword. 
 

if nothing else, it makes a Great War story!