Japanese Officers katan / sword ID

[Mauser]

Hi guys

Picked this beauty up a few days ago and was wondering if any one could give me an ID of the maker and any other information with regards to this weapon ?

Im not really into japanese gear so my knowleage regarding katans is very limited

Any info would be greatly appricated

Many thanks

Mark

[Mauser]

2

2

[Mauser]

3

3

[Mauser]

4

4

[jgarcia]

Hi Mark,

Your sword is signed Hiromitsu and it's dated (Showa 18, third month) March, 1943. Sorry, that's about all I can tell you regarding your sword. I'm sure others can add more info.

John Garcia

[Mauser]

Hi John

Thanks for the info, what would be the rough market price for this piece ?

Also is it an NCO or officers issuse ?

Many thanks

Mark

[ketoujin]

sword ID

Hi Mauser,
Your sword is the type issued to commissioned army officers and was known as a Shin-gunto. The Naval variation, which had a black rayskin handle among other distringushing characteristics, was known as a Kai-gunto. Your sword has the signature of the smith: Hiromitsu. I think the date was actually June 1943 (the character for six looks alot like a three in the picture though) not that thats too big a point though. Can't tell you any more unfortunately.

Thanks,
Gunnar

[brannow]

Hi All,

Gunner is right it June. Post or email me some pics of the blade and I can help on the value. its probably a showa-to meaning it semi traditionally forged.

Bill Rannow
<st1 =""><st1:city>Mpls</st1:city>, <st1:state>MN</st1:state></st1>

Hi Mauser,
Your sword is the type issued to commissioned army officers and was known as a Shin-gunto. The Naval variation, which had a black rayskin handle among other distringushing characteristics, was known as a Kai-gunto. Your sword has the signature of the smith: Hiromitsu. I think the date was actually June 1943 (the character for six looks alot like a three in the picture though) not that thats too big a point though. Can't tell you any more unfortunately.

Thanks,
Gunnar

[boyt44]

I also have two Hiromitsu-signed shin-guntos. The first one is the same pattern as this sword, and the second is a pattern 44 Shin-gunto. I did a tracing of the hilt markings for my records,and the first one of mine is signed identically with yours.The characters are formed exactly the same way,most likely by the same smith. The '44 pattern sword is signed Hiromitsu, but the characters are formed in a different manner, leading me to think that someone else using the same name made this sword. I don't have a camera sufficient to pick up the markings well,but here is the first one I have(third sword from bottom)