Stamps on a kaigunto seppa.

[gunto]

I just got a kaigunto with stamps on the seppa. Its Toyokawa Naval arsenal (cherry blossom with anchor) and the roman letters TEC.
The funny thing is, that its on the front of the seppa near the habaki.
Anybody in here that have a clue what TEC means?

[gunto]

Isnt there anybody that knows what TEC means?

[Stu W]

"Isnt there anybody that knows what TEC means?"


Well this is a guess and a bit of a learning experience for me but I think it might stand for Toyokawa Naval Arsenal. Here is why I think that...

I typed various combinations of the three words into an on-line translator and each time it gave me kanji type symbols rather than words so I then searched the web for those symbols linked together. Each time they lead me back to various posts from such as Wikipedia in which the topic was naval arsenals. Because I can neither read Japanese nor even really see those tiny letters clearly anymore I'll have to leave the rest to experts and hope we both get some good information.

Regards,
Stu

[gunto]

That sounds right.
But its little strange they used roman letters and on the outside of the seppa.

[Edokko]

Photos please ?

[Stu W]

Hi gunto,

I see you are not an Association Member so if you cannot post photos and wish me to assist let me know. I am interested in the outcome of your thread.

Regards,
Stu

[gunto]

<a href="http://img195.imageshack.us/i/kaigunto3.jpg/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/7995/kaigunto3.th.jpg" border="0" alt="Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://img604.imageshack.us/content.php?page=blogpost&files=img195/7995/kaigunto3.jpg" title="QuickPost">
Click on the picture to enlarge.

I have not clean it yet ,but it needs some TLC

[Stu W]

Hi gunto,

I captured the photo and rotated it for a different view. Can any of you experts set us straight on this?

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

.

[Edokko]

This quest has proved to be more elusive than I thought, much more elusive. I have been looking for information on naval sword components makers, but is very tough to pinpoint them. The navy used alphabets quite frequently on their arms, so am not surprised if a purveyor to the navy may use alphabets for their initials, but that theory is where it ends right now, since I cannot find a name that fits into the initial TEC. I'll continue my search and will post up here if I find anything.
By the way, is the balde signed ? and is it a wartime make ?

[brannow]

Hi,

I have had a naval not too long ago that had the same on the outer seppa. I will look for some pics.

[brannow]

Ok here it is. It was a naval mounted gendai.

Bill Rannow
Mpls, MN

[gunto]

This quest has proved to be more elusive than I thought, much more elusive. I have been looking for information on naval sword components makers, but is very tough to pinpoint them. The navy used alphabets quite frequently on their arms, so am not surprised if a purveyor to the navy may use alphabets for their initials, but that theory is where it ends right now, since I cannot find a name that fits into the initial TEC. I'll continue my search and will post up here if I find anything.
By the way, is the balde signed ? and is it a wartime make ?

I do not have this sword yet ,its on its way also got an early 1883 navy dirk in near mint condition on the way.
The tsuka on the kaigunto has not been taken of, so I dont know if the blade is signed.
But it looks like a quality blade, I will post pictures when it has arrived and cleaned.

[gunto]

This quest has proved to be more elusive than I thought, much more elusive. I have been looking for information on naval sword components makers, but is very tough to pinpoint them. The navy used alphabets quite frequently on their arms, so am not surprised if a purveyor to the navy may use alphabets for their initials, but that theory is where it ends right now, since I cannot find a name that fits into the initial TEC. I'll continue my search and will post up here if I find anything.
By the way, is the balde signed ? and is it a wartime make ?

Finally got the sword.

Its signed Ishido Mitsunobu with Kao ,the same as Ishido Teruhide.
I will put some pictures on soon.

[brannow]

Hi,

Maybe it is for Tokyo Electric Co. like the papa nambu pistols that are marked TGE for Tokyo gas and electric?

I also have some very nice Japanese dirks that have an SA on them.