Grandpa’s Sword WWII

[BourbonGuy]

Hello I was hoping someone could tell me a little bit about my grandfather’s sword from WWII. He brought back two of them. Any information would be appreciated.

[mecox]

Chris,  WW2 shingunto Type 98 signed "Seki ju Kanesada"  and probably early part of war.  Kanesada” (兼貞), and given name   吉田  is read (and reported)  as Yoshida Sadaichi (吉田貞市),  but also as Koda and Furuta.  Possibly it was read Furuta.   He registered as a Seki swordsmith in Showa 14 (1939) October 27 at age 34.   .  He was born Meiji 37 (1904) July 5  and he died Showa 49 (1974) May 29  at age 69.   He did not make swords post-war.    He is listed as a Rikugun Jumei Tosho as Koda Kanesada.    Are there any stamps on the blade?   He made oil tempered Showato as well as traditional blades.   Yours is signed katana-mei (cutting edge up) and  looks to be Showato, but could be a custom order.

Below are 2 examples from Japan sales sites   (they read as Yoshida):

Left:   mei:   "Yoshida Kanesada saku"  (as tachi-mei = cutting edge down),  dated : Showa 17 (1942) November.     length 66.8 cm   sori:  1.6 cm.  Hamon is straight suguha.  No stamp seen.    [e-sword, Japan]

Right: mei:  "Noshu Seki ju Kanesada saku"    (as katana-mei = cutting edge up).   No date.    Hamon more active notare-suguha.    No stamp seen.   Length:  69.2 cm   sori:   1.4 cm   [Meirin Sangyo Co Ltd]

 

[BourbonGuy]

Thank you for your reply. That is very interesting information. I checked the blade and could not find any stamp. Here are some additional pictures that may help.