Japanese blades

[François SAEZ]

HI all, as mentioned before, I have no knowledge in Japanese blades (I collect LW for 35+ years) but would like for the pleasure of my eyes adding one + a tanto in my leaving room - I am proposed the following, but have no knowledge if right, what period and an approximate value

I may have more photos this week, but maybe, as a start you could help me, please

[Franco]

Another strange habaki on the aicuchi.It looks very modern to me.You need someone with a bit of knowledge to look at the blades you have up close.

[Steve Flanagan]

The second sword is close to the same as a Japanese naval sword with a stainless steel blade. Tang will often have anchor in a circle stamped on it. Yours however was made during the occupation out of leftover parts for the troops as souvenirs

[BruceP]

For the guys who can help you with the tanto, it will help them if you remove the handle, and provide pictures of the full naked blade.

Steve is correct on the sword. I own one myself. They were ordered by the 8th Army PX as souvenirs after the war. Tenzoshen factory, of the Toyokawa Arsenal (the stamp you'll see on the tang), made 8,000 of these and sold them through the Army PX and the Japan Sword Co. store. Current value is $400-500 USD. I've attached an article I wrote on this sword for the JSSUS newsletter, based upon our fairly recent discoveries.

[François SAEZ]

Many thanks to ALL, your knowledge is appreciated, another tanto was offered to me by the same person - and of course I need some opinion on the value - thanks in advance

[GHP]

The tang is signed
兼友
Kanetomo

Someone will have to determine which Kanetomo, as there are very many through the years.
The image was posted upside-down; I've righted the view.

-- Guy

[François SAEZ]

Many thanks, help appreciated
Look like some parts are missing?

[GHP]

...Look like some parts are missing?

Yes: the pommel [kashira], wrapping, and menuki [decorative metal ornaments under the wrapping, one on each side] are missing. Also, the ray-skin [same'] shows its age: it is shrunken and broken; if not broken, it was applied in three pieces, and the central piece looks like a "full wrap" instead of panels.

I'm not a collector, so cannot give a ballpark value.

-- Guy

[François SAEZ]

Many thanks Guy

[GHP]

Many thanks Guy

[Franco]

Thats the tanto to buy,if you can get it at a good price.

[Mauser HSc]

For the guys who can help you with the tanto, it will help them if you remove the handle, and provide pictures of the full naked blade.

Steve is correct on the sword. I own one myself. They were ordered by the 8th Army PX as souvenirs after the war. Tenzoshen factory, of the Toyokawa Arsenal (the stamp you'll see on the tang), made 8,000 of these and sold them through the Army PX and the Japan Sword Co. store. Current value is $400-500 USD. I've attached an article I wrote on this sword for the JSSUS newsletter, based upon our fairly recent discoveries.

Great info on the PX sword! What is the JSSUS? Thanks!

[BruceP]

Japanese Sword Society of the U.S.
http://www.jssus.org/

[vonStubben]

For the guys who can help you with the tanto, it will help them if you remove the handle, and provide pictures of the full naked blade.

Steve is correct on the sword. I own one myself. They were ordered by the 8th Army PX as souvenirs after the war. Tenzoshen factory, of the Toyokawa Arsenal (the stamp you'll see on the tang), made 8,000 of these and sold them through the Army PX and the Japan Sword Co. store. Current value is $400-500 USD. I've attached an article I wrote on this sword for the JSSUS newsletter, based upon our fairly recent discoveries.

I can't open this. It says "fetch can not be opened".....?

[BruceP]

I can't open this. It says "fetch can not be opened".....?

Well, I don't know what is causing that. I just tried it myself and the window asked me how I wanted to open it and gave choices like "with Firefox", "with Adobe" etc. I chose Firefox and it opened.

If you want to PM an email, I'll send it to you that way.