Type 98: 一心 "Isshin"

[Conway S]

Maybe others saw this one on Ebay this week. I thought it was interesting because of the stamped sub-assembly number coupled with the patriotic slogan. Can't tell from the pictures on eBay if it has any stamps, but looks to be non-traditionally made. Just thought I would post for future reference because I could not any similar swords posted on NMB. 

 

Conway 

 

Antique Japanese WW2 Officer Signed Katana Samurai Sword Gunto Gendai Sword

 

 

 

 

Edited Friday at 11:05 PM by Conway S

[Kiipu]

That is the swordsmith Isshin.

一心 = Isshin.

ICHI (一)

[Conway S]

Ah ok. Now I found him listed in Sesko's Swordsmiths of Japan - Real name Tanigawa Yoshiharu. Of course when I searched "Isshin" on the forum it gave me a plethora of Mantetsu search results. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Yes, he studied under the famous smith, Koa, and their jointly made blades were signed Koa Isshin!  When he graduated, his signed with his own art name, Isshin.  Ha!  Sorry couldn't resist that.  Just Joking !!!

 

I only have 3 other blades by him on file, all Showa stamped.  This one might be but the stamp is so poorly struck, I can't tell if it was a Showa or a large Seki.   The only dated one was 1940.