Gunto kanji

[Infanteer]

Hey guys,

I have come across this Gunto that has kanji on both sides of the tang. I have tried to translate it myself but am having a very hard time finding a match. I think it may be dated 1942 and I think one of the stamps is for Seki but I'm not even confident on this either. Anyway, if someone can assist me I would really appreciate it.

[GHP]

Yoshisada

昭和十七年
1942

義定
Yoshisada

[ 関 ]
[Seki]

His civilian name was:
石原 錠一
Ishihara Jōichi

Here's another of his blades on this WAF thread.


--Guy

[Infanteer]

Thank you very much for the prompt reply. I'm very surprised and quite pleased that I at least got the year correct. Now to do some research on Yoshisada of Seki.

So, this is a Showato which is not made in the traditional manner and is therefore a lower value sword. Is that correct? It does have an appealing hamon and while the blade has not been treated properly over the years it is far from being worn out.

[Stu W]

Yes, it's a non traditionally made Showato. Have a look here ...

http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/showato.htm

Guy is of course correct in the date but FYI what he has given you is not a direct translation. If you wish to learn more about the Showa numbering system and the kanji for year, day month have a look here ...

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=627782

Regards,
Stu

[Infanteer]

Thank you Stu. Those are two links that I had discovered earlier and how I came up with the date of 1942. This sure is a complicated hobby