For the gunto collector, determining gendaito or showato often is a simple thing if it comes with an arsenal inspector stamp. Star stamp - gendaito; ANY other stamp - showato. But the Seki stamp is a bit messy! Initially, as I've learned about stamps, I believed a Seki stamp was a sure sign of a non-traditionally made blade. But I now own a Star-stamped blade with a small Seki stamp on the nakago mune. I just saw a guy's blade with a Star stamp and a small Seki stamp on the "date" side of the nakago. Also, I've seen 2 blades that were identified as gendaito, but had a large Seki stamp right above the signature kanji.
Discussion followed about the size of the stamp being an indication about gendai vs showato.
My theory: Knowing that the Seki swordsmith "guild" originated the stamp, but it was later hyjacked by the IJA arsenals, I propose that the "larger" Seki stamp will be found on guild-made gendaito; while the "small" Seki stamp is an arsenal inspector stamp and is found on showato, UNLESS it is anywhere BUT above the smith name.. It seems to fit what I am seeing out there.
Thoughts? Examples?
Discussion followed about the size of the stamp being an indication about gendai vs showato.
My theory: Knowing that the Seki swordsmith "guild" originated the stamp, but it was later hyjacked by the IJA arsenals, I propose that the "larger" Seki stamp will be found on guild-made gendaito; while the "small" Seki stamp is an arsenal inspector stamp and is found on showato, UNLESS it is anywhere BUT above the smith name.. It seems to fit what I am seeing out there.
Thoughts? Examples?
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