Translation and Identification Help for 2 WWII Swords

[matt_bott]

Hello,

My name is Matt and I am new to the sword collecting world. I am a collector of WWII German Military items, but I recently stumbled upon these swords. I believe that this is a WWII Japanese sword, but I'm not sure of the authenticity. All the markings seem to be right. I attempted to translate these swords, but the only could figure out the symbol for "month." Any help that could be offered on these swords would be greatly appreciated. I will post pictures of the second sword in another post. Thanks in advance for all your help.

[matt_bott]

Here is the second one. I was told that this is a "Wakisashi" sword because of it's shorter length (25" blade). There is no latching mechanism like the other sword. I found out that the sageo cord could possibly tell the rank of the officer who carried it? I couldn't find much about this one. I'm not sure if it is WWII era or newer. I also noticed that there are fewer symbols on this sword. Again, any help would be greatly appreciated.

[John A Stuart]

Your first sword is Kanemichi saku. 兼道 The second sword may be by Masatsune 正恒 John

[matt_bott]

Thanks for the reply.

So Kanemichi and Masatsune are the makers of the swords? I'm sorry for asking such novice questions. I've tried to read up on these swords, but I've not been able to find a reliable source.

 

Can anyone recommend a good, basic entry level site for Japanese swords. I've looked at the links section of the forum, but I feel very overwhelmed. Thanks again.

[cabowen]

The first sword was made by a smith in Seki named Kanemichi. It has a showa stamp indicating it was not traditionally made. The two meguki ana tell me it was remounted in the gunto fittings. With the bo-hi, it probably started out as an iai-to.

 

The second sword is much more interesting. This is a showa era handachi mounting, which is rare in showa. The blade is traditionally made by a smith named Amachi Masatsune. He was a decent smith.

 

Try the FAQ for book suggestions....

[Jamie]

Matt,

 

As Chris suggested you can't go wrong with the FAQ.

 

Since you said you'd checked the links and felt overwhelmed, I'll suggest three to start. These were all suggested to me when I began.

 

Samurai Sword: A Handbook

~John Yumato

The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide (Japanese Arts Library)

~ Kanzan Sato

The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords

~ Kokan Nagayama

 

After reading these you'll have some knowledge but don't expect that overwhelmed feeling to go away for a while. haha

[matt_bott]

Chris,

Thanks so much for the reply. Just googling the terms you have used has brought upon a wealth of information. I will look into some books from the FAQ section.

 

Do you (or anyone for that matter) know why it would be re-fitted?

[cabowen]

Chris,

Thanks so much for the reply. Just googling the terms you have used has brought upon a wealth of information. I will look into some books from the FAQ section.

 

Do you (or anyone for that matter) know why it would be re-fitted?

 

For use in the war....

[george trotter]

The second sword maker I know a little about.

His name is listed as AMACHI in some lists and as AMAIKE in others...the only difference is in the small strokes on the left side of the second character....I think it is Amaike as this is clear when the signature is in normal script, but given as Amachi when it is written in semi-sosho script as on your sword...just a sloppy writing style

There were three of these guys...2 brothers (i think) and a son. All made WWII swords of average gunto quality but your guy may have been more qualified as he had students.

Amaike Ginichiro Masatsune (MAS 1250 and F&G 175)...had students...

Shinoda Ujifusa (UJI 11 & 25) and

Yoshida Masaaki (MAS 16)

 

and his own family, a brother

Amaike Ginjiro Kanenaga (KAN 203) and son/nephew

Amaike Yoshimasa (slough 197 and F&G 82).

I don't think the last man ever became any good as the war probably ended.

 

Yoshida also studied under Kaneaki (KAN 614 & 621) and won gold and silver prizes he is on ONO 1977 p94 and TK547.

Shinoda worked at Saguchi Sokenten in Seki in 1942.

 

I did this research because I have a sword by Amaike Kanenaga which shows handwork (no stamps) but is showato of western steel.

Hope this helps.

george.

[cabowen]

This smith is Amaike Reiichiro 天池鈴一郎 of Seki.

 

Some sources list his family name as Amaike, others as Amachi; it would seem Amaike is correct.

[george trotter]

Thanks for that Chris...I read his first personal name kanji as "Gin"...should have checked closer...as you say, Masatsune is definitely Reiichiro and his brother Kanenaga is Reijiro...I have never seen a personal name for Yoshimasa, but maybe Reisaburo?...anyway, I have seen quite good swords by Masatsune and Kanenaga, but I suspect they are yotetsu...I have only seen a Seki gunto by Yoshimasa...maybe he also did better work too. Interesting find for you Matt...not a bad pair of swords for your first "find".

Regards,

george.

[cabowen]

It is hard to tell for certain from the pictures but the above Masatsune blade appears to be traditionally made to me....There appears to be sunagashi and nie which you don't generally see in a yotetsu, oil quenched blade.

 

The nakago is well finished and the mei nicely cut.

 

Better than your average WWII blade and I agree, a nice find...

[matt_bott]

Thanks to everyone who has posted a reply to this thread. You have given me a lot of information to go off of. I'm going to go do some digging and reading to try to absorb everything I can.

[matt_bott]

I just wanted to let everyone know that both of these swords are currently on eBay. Unfortunately, I need the money more than I need the swords. Thanks again for all the help, wisdom, and advice. Take care.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/WWII-Japanese-Katana-Gunto-Nihonto-Kanemichi-Seki-Sword-/290573381938?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a785f132#ht_52034wt_932

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/WWII-Japanese-Kodachi-Sword-Gunto-Nihonto-Seki-Katana-/280690406713?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415a73b539#ht_41936wt_932

 

Matt

[Brian]

Matt,

There have been objections raised about the use of people's names in verifying these swords in your auctions, which I understand and agree with.

I would ask that you remove the names from the auctions, although I do not mind the NMB mentions. I think it just common courtesy to ask people for permission if you are going to post their names publicly. The use of NMB info for commercial gain is already a touchy subject, so hope you understand the request to edit the public info. I think there may be problems with editing auction descriptions after bids are placed, in which case perhaps eBay would have to be approached to assist.

 

Thanking you.

Brian