An Appraisal on Some Japanese Swords Please Sword Number 2

**Michael Ryan** · 02-13-2014, 10:05 PM

Hi All, This is Number 2 Sword. At the risk of being boring, I have simply copied the original request and detail from the first thread in order to keep it simple (for me). This sword is very similar to number 1 but minus the knot and leather scabbard sleave. Thank you in advance for any advise given.

with thanks, regards and best wishes Michael R

"Hi, Many years ago, I took an interest in Japanese swords as I liked the style and general look of them. Unfortunately, my interest did not get as far as the accademics of the subject so my knowledge is sadly poor. I am now asking for any information that anyone out there my be able to advise me of please. Your opinions and possible valuation would be greatly appreciated. The first item is an Imperial Army mounted sword with a Company Officer's rank knot. The mounts appear to be standard Army pattern."

An Appraisal on Some Japanese Swords Please Sword Number 2

Please note, I have used chalk to try and improve the visibility of the tang characters but am happy tp re photograph them if necessary!

**RH1941** · 02-13-2014, 11:42 PM

Michael when it comes to Japanese swords the sword guys like them photographed with the tip of the sword point to the floor its easier to read the tang .. Gary

**ghp95134** · 02-14-2014, 12:18 AM

by RH1941

Michael when it comes to Japanese swords the sword guys like them photographed with the tip of the sword point to the floor its easier to read the tang .. Gary

Nice try, Gary. Actually, we prefer just the opposite: sword tip towards the ceiling, tang toward the bottom. In other words: tip faces north, tang faces south (north is always topmost on the map).

Thanks!!

--Guy

**ghp95134** · 02-14-2014, 12:25 AM

It's hard to clearly see, but looks like

兼則
Kanenori

昭和十年十月
Shouwa 10-nen 10-gatsu
1935, October

Further to my explanation about signature orientation, if you take the photos as they show on the forum, rotate the image 90 degrees to the left.

Cheers!
--Guy

**Alan M** · 02-14-2014, 11:44 AM

Michael , i think i can just see a Nagoya arsenal stamp on the tang !

**Michael Ryan** · 02-14-2014, 02:19 PM

Hi Gary, Thank you for the tip! Sorry, pardon the pun. I will comply on all further photos.
Cheers MR

**Michael Ryan** · 02-14-2014, 02:24 PM

Hi Guy, Thank you for the tip! Sorry, pardon the pun. I will comply on all further photos. Come on Gents have a bit of patience with me I am old!! And you are confusing me. Whats it to be Tip up or Tip down. Or should I do a bit of both? Please don't say east or west!!
Cheers MR

**Alan M** · 02-14-2014, 02:29 PM

by Michael Ryan

Hi Guy, Thank you for the tip! Sorry, pardon the pun. I will comply on all further photos. Come on Gents have a bit of patience with me I am old!! And you are confusing me. Whats it to be Tip up or Tip down. Or should I do a bit of both? Please don't say east or west!!
Cheers MR

Ha ha , tip up to the sky please Michael and photos of tang straight on without flash if possible !

**Michael Ryan** · 02-14-2014, 02:34 PM

Hi Again Guy, Who is the little dog?? I lost my little girl dog some time back and I still miss her! Back to Japanese swords. Thank you for the information on both the tank and orientation. Am I correct in assuming that Oct 38 is the date of manufacture and that, as an arsenal weapon, it is of military issue and probably of inferior quality?? Also, what is the meaning or significance of the other characters? I realy am that unknowledgeable on Japanese swords. Honest!!!
Thasnk you again Michael R

**Michael Ryan** · 02-14-2014, 02:38 PM

Ye!!! Alan I am starting to get the message. With most swords it is tip down so you can see the langet or quillon block and tip up to read the manufacturere's logo etc. I am learning new tricks every day on this forum -- Not bad for an old dog!! Thank you also for the arsenal info.
Regards Michael R