DaveH Posted February 7 Report Posted February 7 By way of a short introduction: My name is Dave, I work in local Government based in the United Kingdom. Although not currently practicing, I've previously studied Japanese martial traditions (Aikido and Muso Shinden Ryu through the United Kingdom Aikikai, and British Kendo Association respectively) My post today is to respectfully ask for some assistance with the images I've attached, the intention is to add further reference to the sword in my employer's possession which, is displayed within a small historical museum. What we're currently aware of, is how the sword came into the possession of a Rifleman of the British Forces; it was presented to him by a Colonel of HQ 11 Brigade, on behalf of Lord Louis Mountbatten, in recognition of the rifleman's meritorious service during the second Chindit Campaign 1944-1945. It's my understanding that following the passing of the rifleman some years later, the sword was discovered and donated to the local authority for display. The images of the nakago have been taken recently and I'm hoping these can be translated and further guidance offered on information regarding the origins/manufacture if that's possible, unfortunately, there are what appear to be inked markings on one side of the blade which are difficult to see and stamped markings. please see the images attached. The sword fitments etc, all bear the numerical stamp "13" I would be more than happy to obtain further images of the blade and another aspect of the sword if required. I would like to extend my thanks in advance for any assistance which can be provided. Thank you Dave 1 Quote
Tohagi Posted February 7 Report Posted February 7 Very nice sword, you are at the right place. Can we have a global picture of the blade? Best regards, Eric VD Quote
Ray Singer Posted February 7 Report Posted February 7 Some information below on Amahide. https://www.google.c...rome-mobile&ie=UTF-8 Quote
mecox Posted February 7 Report Posted February 7 @DaveH Dave, your sword is signed: Ichimonji Minamoto Amahide kitau kore 一文字源天秀鍛之 on opposite side looks like 3 stamped numbers, part of assembly process. In NMB Downloads is a summary of his workshop and background of the swordsmiths. The mei like yours on p. 15 & 16. Quote
DaveH Posted February 7 Author Report Posted February 7 @mecox Thank you, I appreciate the help there. 1 Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted February 8 Report Posted February 8 Hi Dave! Don't know how much you know about the WWII swords, but here's some more about the sword: Type 98 Japanese Army Officer sword (gunto). You can read about them, and see great examples, on Ohmura's site: Military Swords of Japan (gunto) - Ohmura Basic Care for Japanese Swords - Japaneseswordindex.com The painted numbers on the side opposite the mei (signature) are almost too faint, but appear to be "4597". They often match the stamped numbers on the metal fittings, as they were used to keep all the parts together during processing/manufacture. It's not uncommon to see unmatching numbers, and we don't know for sure why. It could imply that the original fittings were damage and replaced by new ones during the war. The stamped number, which, I think, is "988" is another matter. On Army blades, they seem to be production numbers, in sequence by each smith. They might be in order to track a certain number of blades made for a military contract, but we don't really know. The orientation of the number on the end fits a pattern that puts your blade most likely in 1942. They changed orientation over the years in a fairly consistent manner, so I feel comfortable with the date, but it's still just based upon my observations. 1 Quote
DaveH Posted February 8 Author Report Posted February 8 Hi Bruce. Much appreciated thank you, I'll take a look through the links. Dave Quote
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