Need Help with translation & Stamps please...

[BRUNROX]

Greetings ! I have a Navy Gunto with a black lacquered Saya that I thought would have the Navy anchor stamp on Nakago , but instead it appears to have a mis-struck Seki stamp. (Not even sure it is a Seki stamp). It does have the Navy anchor on one Seppa together with the letters " T.F.C. " I have never seen those letters before on other Guntos. Also trying to descipher the Mei but the only Kanji that I recognize is Saku. I would very much appreciate your help and input to help me better understand this beautiful sword. Best Regards, Mario P.

[cabowen]

Yes, that is indeed a Seki stamp.

 

Noshu Seki ju Hattori Masahiro Saku

 

Non-traditionally made. WWII era.

[BRUNROX]

Thank You very much Chris, found his matching Oshigata and also in Sloughs book. Any idea on those letters T.F.C. ? The seppa hardware is not numbered but all have that little symbol. Appreciate your help. Regards, Mario P.

[cabowen]

Sorry, can't help with the hardware....

[george trotter]

Hi,

I once had a koto sword mounted in WWII kai-gunto fittings. The seppa had the identical sakura blossom with anchor and the T.E.C. (not T.F.C.?) stamp. I don't know what it is short for, but feel confident it is the initials of a kaigunto fittings maker, or supplier, or fitter. Yours is only the second one I've seen. I sent a rubbing of mine to Richard Fuller and Ron Gregory and they published it on page 30 of "Military Swords of Japan. 1868-1945" in 1986.

Regards,

George.

P.S. maybe you should send the pic of the seppa stamps to the "Arsenal Stamps" thread on this page ?, just for the record.

[BRUNROX]

Hi George, thank's for your feedback. You are right..., after closer inspection it is T.E.C. (not TFC). I will take a look at Fullers also. Your thought on putting these up on the thread "Arsenal Stamps" sounds like a good idea. I thank you again.

Sincerely, Mario P.