Sword opinions

[coloradocowboy]

Opinions needed. I can pick this up locally. Any info would be great. Thanks for help in advance

[coloradocowboy]

2

[coloradocowboy]

3

[Geoff Ward]

Interesting leather rig and strap.Can we please see some pictures of the strap and attachment methods? Regards,Geoff

[coloradocowboy]

Interesting leather rig and strap.Can we please see some pictures of the strap and attachment methods? Regards,Geoff

Thanks Geoff. Seller pics is all I have. The big question is does it look Japanese and pre 45?

[GeorgeP]

Only the date side of the tang is visible in these pics. I am assuming the other side will show a Mantetsu signature? If so, they can be pricey.

Tom

[GHP]

Dated Spring 1943

Uses the zodiac calendar

昭和癸未春
1943 昭和18 癸未

[Showa 18]



--Guy

[coloradocowboy]

Thanks Gents.

[reeder3]

Zodiacal date, suguha Hamon, I would be surprised if this sword were not a mantetsu. Given the date, it will most likely not have "Koa Isshin" in the signature.

[Beater]

I love that rig, for wearing diagonally on the soldiers back, with the sword hilt projecting up over the right shoulder, so he can draw it easily and complete a downward cutting arc - very efficient! Also it's out of the way when sheathed and leaves soldiers hands free. I've seen them photographed in Fuller and Gregory's book, but not one "for sale" - lovely!
And definitely either a Mantetsu kitau kore wo, or a Koa Isshin signed blade.

I see the below comment about them being pricey and must admit that seems to be the case in the UK too. Personally, I think that is largely due to dealers hype and the supposed appeal to martial arts people over their alledged cutting ability. I've had several but can't say I rate them as highly as some. Nicely cut mei and obviously a special steel developed for the harsh Chinese climate, which caused sword breakages but never seen hada in one, so not even a gendaito.

Here's mine, expect to see a mei like one of these Cowboy...

[helmuthunter]

Awesome set up!

[coloradocowboy]

After a two hour round trip drive, just picked it up Will take pics this afternoon. Thanks for all the help

[Jareth]

I'm not a sword collector but the shoulder rig is pretty amazing! Please let us know if they're are any ink stamps or markings on the leather. We all wonder whether these rigs were Arsenal or in field ( occupied China made). Hope the blade turns out to be what the others think it is!

[coloradocowboy]

I'm not a sword collector but the shoulder rig is pretty amazing! Please let us know if they're are any ink stamps or markings on the leather. We all wonder whether these rigs were Arsenal or in field ( occupied China made). Hope the blade turns out to be what the others think it is!

Fingers crossed

[Phronsias]

Fingers crossed

Hi Chris
You sure are on a roll, looks like an amazing find
I envy you big time!!!!!!!!
All the best
Frank