WW2 samurai sword markings

[Sayle F]

I dont read Japanese and have no books on samurai swords so I was hoping that someone could tell me what the tang reads on this sword. It is marked on both sides. Any help would be appreciated. I am assuming the date is on it.

Thanks,
Kevin

[Sayle F]

samurai sword

the sword

[Sayle F]

sword

handle

[Budo45]

Smith is Masanori date is Showa Ju Ku or 1944

Nice clean rig, dont find them in that good of shape nowdays.

[Sayle F]

sword

Thanks for the info, much apprecited. Any ballpark on value of a 44 dated sword? And is this a machine made blade ?

[Budo45]

depends on if the sword has a stamp, oil or water quenched, doubt it was machine made, one would need closeups of temper line and grain of the steel for me to ballpark it. going between 1500 2000 on ebay depending on maker and work.

this search brings up a few, not all are your guy.

http://search.freefind.com/servlet/f...query=masanori

[3cavman]

Nice Sword