Naval Samurai Sword

[bbeck]

I just picked up this WW2 Japanese Naval officer's Samurai sword...can anyone help with the markings?

[Dennis J]

I am not a sword guy but I have a few swords and this is a army sword not a navy.I have no idea what the writing says.

Dennis J

[Bob Coleman]

Bruce-
It is very difficult reading the kanji sideways. I believe it is a stainless steel blade with the factory name on it. It is dated March, 1943. Many war time kaigunto were not traditional steel blades but made from stainless steel due to the enviroment in which they would be used.

[Stu W]

Let's start with this ...

[Stu W]

I'm thinking a Tenshozan forge piece. Perhaps one of you sharp eyed youngsters can compare the mei with this one of mine. They are similar but I can't see all the details on this screen.

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

FYI ...

I believe my mei says ...

Tenshozan Tanren Jo Kin Saku - Respectfully made at the Tenshozan Forge

[GHP]

bbeck,

Stu was correct, but your last two kanji are a bit different, but mean essentially the same thing:

天照山鍛錬場鍛之
Tenshōzan Tanren-jo Kitae kore

This [was] forged at the Tenshōzan Forge

--Guy

[Stu W]

Hello Guy,

Thanks for the assistance. Always appreciated.

Regards,
Stu

[gunto]

I am not a sword guy but I have a few swords and this is a army sword not a navy.I have no idea what the writing says.

Dennis J

Its navy , its a kaigunto.

[GHP]

Originally Posted by Dennis J
I am not a sword guy but I have a few swords and this is a army sword not a navy.I have no idea what the writing says.

Dennis J

Dennis: you can see it is Navy because of the oval tsuba and the "running flowers" on the fuchi [hilt collar].

bbeck's sword; note oval tsuba on the left margin:


better view of a navy tsuba:


Here's a nice comparison chart I just found:


source


--Guy

[bbeck]

Sword

Thanks guys for all this information!
Bruce

[Dennis J]

Dennis: you can see it is Navy because of the oval tsuba and the "running flowers" on the fuchi [hilt collar].

bbeck's sword; note oval tsuba on the left margin:


better view of a navy tsuba:


Here's a nice comparison chart I just found:


source


--Guy

Wow my mistake it is a 100% Navel sword....sorry.

Dennis J

[Luis22]

In my opinion the navy swords are the nicest of the Imperial military l swords..