Latest find, Japanese Showa katana!

[Matt Weber]

Just picked this one up this week. It is a showa katana. It is in civilian style mounts, however this sword was pressed into military service. It has saya covered in leather, and has military hanger on it. Judging from the wear on the hanger is was worn quite often! (the hanger hole is worn half way through the loop!!). Leather on the saya is very well worn as well. Tsuka is also well worn, tsuka ito is frayed and chaffed a bit. Menuki are plated types (plating is mostly gone), and are in the shape of dragons.

Blade is in original polish and looks pretty good. No major damage on it at all. Blade is very thick and wide. Hamon is difficult to see, but blade is very sharp. Some few minor spots of pitting here and there, but really nothing at all.

Tang is very well marked. Needs interpretation! Can anyone help with this?
Hope you all enjoyed it!

Matt

[Matt Weber]

Katana with saya. (of course my dog had to get in the picture as well!)

[Matt Weber]

Blade length. Very wide and thick!

[Matt Weber]

another shot of the blade from the opposite side.

[Matt Weber]

Tsuba, Tsuka, and seppas. I was considering getting the tsuka re-wrapped. What do you guys think? Is it worth it?

[Matt Weber]

Tang. Very well marked. Can anone interpret the markings?

[Matt Weber]

Here is a close up of the makers markings on the tang.

[Matt Weber]

Here is a pic of my very small sword collection.
Top is a very late war Japanese Naval officers' sword. Below is the civilian katana that is shown in photos above. Behind them of course is an original silk Japanese Naval (sunburst) flag.

Any information you guys can provide would be of great help. Hope you liked the sword!

Matt

[Eric Doody]

Matt,

Thanks for sharing the photos of your new katana with us.

I am sure some of our more experienced sword collectors will provide you with some feedback on your sword.

Eric

[Laurens Q-fin]

Hello Matt,

I can only agree with Eric and congratulate you with your two swords. I really like the mount and the way you present them with the flag

Kind regards,
Laurens

[WalterB]

Hello Matt,

I can only agree with Eric and congratulate you with your two swords. I really like the mount and the way you present them with the flag

Kind regards,
Laurens

I agree, cool set-up. The flag adds a lot to it.

[Matt Weber]

Thanks guys, glad you liked it! I had one guy tell me that the markings are: "Noshu Suke Mitsu Nobu Mitsu Saku". Does anyone know what maker this is for? or can anyone tranlate this?

Matt

[RoyA]

Hi Matt,

The markings are dai mei, or the signature of the swordsmith.

I can't make out the first two characters, but the last four are bang-on

Roy

[Demianthedog]

Sweet

Very nice display