Japanese Naval Swords WW2

[mecox]

Colleagues

I have updated a new version of Japanese Naval Swords WW2 Swordsmiths & Workshops Part 1. This 2024 paper is an upgrade of the 2021 version, it is reorganised with appreciably more examples but with some significant corrections.           Of note is the issue of Naval arsenal stamps and some long held, but incorrect views, in particular in regard to the Toyokawa Arsenal in Aichi (this arsenal did not produce swords).

If you have the 2021 version, please delete it and use this one.  It was outdated and I hope any errors addressed.

Part 2, is likewise being upgraded and will soon be uploaded.

I found it all a rather challenging topic.

cheers Mal

 

 

[Brian]

It's in the download section, and is a considerable update from the previous one. Thanks go to Mal for all the effort he puts into these, as well as all those who submit articles or assist with the research.

[Bruce Pennington]

I am just beginning to read it and can tell it's quite a substantial work.  Thank you, Mal.

[BANGBANGSAN]

Thanks for your hard work,Mal!

[mecox]

Thanks for input Trystan. 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Great read Mal, look forward to Part II. 

 

One subject of Naval swords that remains a bit of a mystery is the Kaigun Jumei Tosho program. Some Gendai smiths they are noted as being both Rikugun and Kaigun Jumei Tosho, yet the Navy program appears to have far less information available. Has anyone uncovered a list, or details like stamps or specifications? 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Two Kai Gunto by Sakai Ikkansai Shigemasa, who was listed as KJT. There don't appear to be any extra marks or stamps on these swords, but one imagines they may have been made as efforts for the KJT? 

 

1944: https://www.legacy-collectibles.com/022423-1.html

 

Corrosion is obscuring the date, 1943?: https://page.auction.../auction/m1145423305

 

In my humble collection is a Shigemasa dated 1943 with special order for an army Lt Colonel, so it appears he was making swords for multiple branches/programs without any exclusivity. 

 

[mecox]

John , good to have these extra ones. Your 1943 Shigemasa is in shirasaya I guess.

We have been tracking the KJT smiths, so far looks to be less formal that RJT and more facility based

[Volker62]

sorry John

 

on your beautiful shigemasa I cannot read something about a Lt. Colonel?

 

what I can read is, it was crafted for a Mr Iwase..... without a military rank and a surname...

 

 

is it the same sword we were talking about?

[Volker62]

i know your blade that you are presenting here.

 

an impressive work that I've  rarely seen in such perfection of craftmanship inover 30 years!

 

A work of art is the right term  for this blade1

 

Tk's for sharing!

[Volker62]

if I have missed something in my translation on your shigemasa,or misrated, please correct me....

[Peter Bleed]

As I start to read - and absorb - this work, I am greatly impressed by the effort it has involved. This is serious work and a real contribution to sword history. Is anybody in Japan following, or absorbing, it?

Peter

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

5 hours ago, Volker62 said:

sorry John

 

on your beautiful shigemasa I cannot read something about a Lt. Colonel?

 

what I can read is, it was crafted for a Mr Iwase..... without a military rank and a surname...

 

 

is it the same sword we were talking about?

Hi Volker, yes it's the same blade; requested by Mr Iwase Takeshi. He was a Lt Colonel by wars end. 

 

 

[Volker62]

this is really one of the  most beautiful Gendaito, I 've ever held in my hands

 

 

congrat's John