Help with Mei Translation

[Dave0258]

A friend has a gunto that his father brought back from the war. It is not in the greatest shape, with some active rust on the blade, and a slight bend to the blade. The koshirae has some damage. I have identified it as a Type 98 Army shin-gunto. The tsuba is open work, indicating earlier production. I have oiled the blade with light machine oil just to try to stop the active rust.

 

The nakago is engraved on both sides. I have attached photos and would like some assistance in translation. (And yes, I have tried to do it myself, but without much success. I'm having some difficulty in even figuring out how many strokes are in each character, as silly as that seems.)

 

I am hoping my photos are sufficient to assist in the translation. If not, let me know and I will try again.

 

Thanks,

Dave Speck

[Mark]

not the clearest pictures, but looks like the maker is Kanemichi and date 1941

[Dave0258]

Thanks mark. I will attempt a better set of photos tonight, but I appreciate the lead. It does appear similar to the oshigata in Slough's book, page 48. I neglected to add that there is a Showa stamp. It is visible in the 3d photo near the tsuba.

[Grey Doffin]

Wo (or Motte, according to Fuller & Gregory) Yasuki Hagane Kanemichi Saku (using Yasuki steel, Kanemichi made).

Grey

[Dave0258]

Thanks Grey. Was the obverse side clear enough to ascertain the date?

Dave

[Dave0258]

I should clarify my request on the date. The characters are difficult to see even without trying to photograph. I know Mark says it is 1941. I am just asking if there was any month or day also specified, or if it just the year.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Dave,

I can't see the date clear enough to read it. If you can't get a better picture copy what you see in pencil and post a picture of your copy.

Grey

[cabowen]

date is kigen 2601 nen or 1941. No month given.

 

紀元二千六百一年

[Dave0258]

Thanks Chris.