Arsenal Stamps.

[Ted Tenold]

If I remember correctly, Kongobyoe Moritaka didn't make blades through the entire war. He was called to service and the last blade he made during the war was the one he carried with him. After the war he resumed his trade. Lovely work!

 

*apologies for the continued off topic...*

[bmlusk1911]

My humble contribution, the "To" stamp of Tokyo Arsenal System.

 

 

 

v/r

 

Brock

[Drago]

Hm...

 

I might be hijacking the thread here, but I asked this here (viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11685) but never got any real answer. I was not aware of this thread, so I apologize.

 

What I'd like to know is: Are the arsenal stamp and "serial number" related? Or are those two completely different things just found next to each other? My sword (traditionally made but still a military blade) has a number but no arsenal stamp. So I was wondering what that might mean...

 

Thanks.

 

@Admins: If you consider this a double post, please feel free to do your job. I am aware I might be walking the line here, sorry for that.

[george trotter]

Just saw this kanji stamp under the anchor on an INABA stainless steel kaigunto.

I can't make out the kanji.

[jwise]

Here is the Seki stamp on mine... seems to be different from what I have seen before

 

[David Flynn]

this was just struck incorrectly.

[jwise]

this was just struck incorrectly.

 

 

David,

 

Thanks for the clarification. I am still new to Japanese sword markings, even though I have had the sword for over 30 years.

 

Jerry

[edzo]

Dear Mr. Trotter,

 

The kanji stamp under the anchor stamp appears to me to be the same as the first character of the smiths signature below it.

 

ed

[george trotter]

Hi Edward,

yes, you might be right...it is a pity the stamp is not a little bit larger....maybe Morita san or Moriyama san can confirm the kanji...?

Regards,

[sencho]

Hi George,

 

What do you know about Inaba Kaigunto?

 

I found an Inaba kaigunto in Florida, very similar to your example... did not have the secondary stamp that yours seems to have though...

 

Regards

[george trotter]

Hi Sencho san,

The sword was on ebay? I think...it was a showato in kaigunto mounts just signed INABA. I posted it for the stamp, which I have not seen before. I have seen this maker a few times (always kaigunto) and sometimes it is a longer mei INABA KANENAMI (or KANEYOSHI?). I have only had one in hand and it was definitely showato, probably Seki...I can't remember ever finding him on a list anywhere. There was quite a bit of discussion on him some time back so if you type INABA KANENAMI in search box something should come up.

Regards,

[sencho]

Hello George,

 

Thanks... yes I was part of that discussion I think... just interested if you knew more.

 

Cheers

[Sporkkaji]

Just saw this on Ebay, anybody know what the marking is? It's on what looks like a stainless Kai Gunto with a very stubby kissaki.

[george trotter]

I can't see any markings...what specifically are you referring to?

Regards,

[cabowen]

definitely stainless....There is a paper label attached to the nakago. Can't see if there is anything printed on it other than a fancy border...

[george trotter]

I just saw this on an Army Type 3 seppa...haven't seen it before.

Regards,

[raaay]

Hi George

 

Is that the heart shape or the coca cola bottle .

 

 

sory could not help myself

 

ray

[george trotter]

Good one Ray, Yes, the heart...I didn't even notice the "coke bottle" haha

[Brian]

Stole this from a current eBay auction, since it is not often you get such a close-up and detailed photo of these stamps.

 

Brian

[Drago]

Hi,

 

a blade is currently on sale somewhere that has this stamp on the nakago. I'm not sure if this is a machined blade or a real one, but that doesn't matter.

 

What does this stamp mean?

 

I don't recognize most of the kanji and I can't find my kanji book right now. What I see is the sign for new (shin - right 3rd), the number 2659 (middle), the sign for sword (tou - left 5th)

 

Thanks.

[Bruno]

You will find this stamp on page 65 of SLOUGH's book.

 

I do not have a scanner here.

[k morita]

Hi,

Here it is.

On page 65.

[Drago]

Thank you, Bruno and Morita-dono.

 

Now I'm curious: That sword was made by Murayama Kaneshige. From what I read he made traditional blades and non-tradtional ones. Does this stamp indicate either of those? I'd post a link to the offer, but the images aren't good enough to recognize Hamon or Hada...

 

EDIT: I'd also like to ask again (I asked in Nov, but never got an answer): Are the arsenal stamp and "serial number" related? Or are those two completely different things just found next to each other? My sword (traditionally made but still a military blade) has a number but no arsenal stamp. So I was wondering what that might mean...

[Brian]

Tobias,

What serial number are you refering to?

The only swords with serial numbers are the NCO Shin Gunto. (Koa Isshin have a tiny one on the nakago mune too)

 

Brian

[Drago]

Ah, I am referring to that four-digit nuber on the spine of the tang, that is usually found next to the small arsenal stamp. (sample image here: http://japaneseswords.gotdns.com/100Gendai31.htm - a Nagamitsu blade like my one, but mine doesn't have the arsenal stamp, that's why I'm asking)

[Bruno]

I think they are more contract number than serial number. As Brian said serial numbers are found only on NCO and Mantetsuto.

 

I think without being certain, these contract numbers indicate traditionnal swords as they are here to control the supply of tamahagane. I am not sure.

[george trotter]

Just to add another seppa mark to the heart marked seppa on the above post...here is a star.

Like the heart, this star is on the Type 3 seppas (also on fuchi).

Both blades were good makers ...the heart on a Seki Kanehide 1944 date with heavy metal saya and standard quality fittings/binding etc.

This star is on high quality lacquered wood fittings on an undated Ichihara Nagamitsu (Okayama/Osaka).

The marks are most likely the fittings supplier's marks.

Regards,

[fitzer]

This is a great thread. Can anyone identify these arsenal markings on my Army saber?

Thanks,

John

[Stegel]

It appears to be the characters which are within the 'Kami' (God) stamp, however, there is no cherry blossom leaf outline.

You can find this stamp in 'Military Swords of Japan 1868-1945' by Fuller & Gregory pg82 (number xiii). It is apparently very rare and only been found on a Shin Gunto Tsuba previously.

 

Ernst

[george trotter]

It is probably a mark from a sword and fittings supplier such as this one...the first kanji of the shop name (can be read as Kobe, Godo, Kande etc etc), not sure of reading.

This is an advert from 1942 "Nihon Token Shoko Meikan" p.87.

Regards,