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#98565 10/24/2007 08:04 PM
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I just acquired a type 3 Army pattern with black metal fittings. The wrap on the hilt has been lacquered there are also polishers marks under the habaki.could someone help with the tang translation? Thanks Geoff.

tang1.jpg (10.94 KB, 304 downloads)
#98566 10/24/2007 08:05 PM
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other side

tang2.jpg (12.44 KB, 301 downloads)
#98567 11/01/2007 01:55 AM
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The signature of this piece does not appear to be the usual style of typical shingunto.Am I off base here??

#98568 11/01/2007 01:36 PM
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..


"A man needs to know his limitations" Dirty Harry
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#98569 11/01/2007 01:37 PM
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THE FORM OF KANJI FOUND ON YOUR BLADE ARE WRITTEN IN A STYLE REFERED TO AS "GRASS WRITING." IT IS DIFFICULT TO READ SOME OF THE CHARACHTERS. HOWEVER, I CAN TELL YOU THAT THE SWORDMAKER IS FROM THE GASSAN SCHOOL. THE SWORDMAKER'S NAME I AM STILL WORKING ON. THE DATE IS THE 2ND MONTH OF THE 18TH YEAR OF SHOWA(1943). IF I CAN FIGURE OUT THE REST, I WILL POST IT HERE. THE GASSAN SCHOOL IS NOTED FOR A UNIQUE FORM OF FORGING WHICH PRODUCES A GRAIN KNOWN AS AISUGI HADA-A SWIRLING UP AND DOWN GRAINING IN THE STEEL. THEY ALSO WORKED IN MASAME, A STRAIGHT GRAIN.
BOB


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#98570 11/02/2007 05:47 AM
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Hi Jeff,

The smiths name is Tadamitsu or Muneitsu

Bill Rannow
Mpls, MN

#98571 11/02/2007 04:14 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by brannow:
Hi Jeff,

The smiths name is Tadamitsu or Munemitsu

Bill Rannow
Mpls, MN

#98572 11/03/2007 06:05 AM
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Hi Geoff,

Your sword mei is "Dewa Gassan MUNEMITSU".
Made in " January 1943 ".

His real name was Yuki(family name) Hachitaro.
"Dewa" means now Yamagata-ken prefecture (Northern Japan).

#98573 11/04/2007 05:12 AM
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Gentlemen,Thank you all for your kind responses.It is with great pleasure and respect I receive your knowledge.You are all doing a great service to the preservation of Japanese swords.If I may be of any service to you please let me know.Thanks Geoff,

#98574 11/04/2007 01:07 PM
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Hi Geoff,

Additional information:
As you know, Mt.Gassan is in the Yamagata prefecture, and was birthplace of the Gassan school.
He was one of the descendants of the Gassan school.
He(Munemitsu) was Rikugun-Jumei-Tosho(Army approved swordsmiths).

Thanks

#98575 12/25/2007 10:57 PM
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He was 5th seat in the 1941 exhibition Wink

He was not a Gassan family member but came from where the Gassan school started Big Grin

#98576 12/26/2007 09:34 AM
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Thank you for the additional information efriend.Could you please expand on the term "5th seat?"Thanks Geoff.

#98577 12/27/2007 01:26 AM
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Do you have any pics of this blade ?

#98578 12/27/2007 06:23 PM
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Hello efriend98,at the moment i dont have photos of the blade.When I found out it was a hand forged piece I left it with a friend of mine who is an advanced collector.It is being sent off for polish.If I see him before it goes.I will take some pics.Otherwise it may be awhile before I see it again.

#98579 12/27/2007 06:55 PM
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here is a photo of the fittings marked with bench #32.

bench__32_fittings.jpg (25.71 KB, 117 downloads)
#98580 12/28/2007 02:00 AM
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GEOFF-
MAY I SUGGEST THAT WHILE HAVING THE BLADE POLISHED, ALSO SEND THE FITTINGS ALONG TO HAVE A TSUNAGI OR WOOD BLADE TO HOLD THEM TOGETHER. THE MILITARY MOUNTING IS A HISTORICAL PART OF THIS SWORD AND SHOULD BE KEPT INTACT.
ONCE YOUR BLADE IS POLISHED, YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO PLACE THE POLISHED BLADE BACK INSIDE A USED, DIRTY SCABBARD, THAT COULD SCRATCH YOUR BLADE.


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#98581 12/28/2007 06:08 AM
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Bob ,Thank you for Your advice.I will definately have the fittings mounted as well.I agree that the mounts are an important part of the piece and should be maintained together with the blade.Best wishes Geoff.

#98582 02/12/2010 07:07 AM
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Well.. Time has slipped by and the polisher has determined this hand forged blade made by "Dewa Gassan Munemitsu"Was not worth having a polish done.I would like to have this blade in full polish with shirasaya and tsunagi and have papers any comments are welcome.

#98583 02/12/2010 07:08 AM
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Are Gendai blades junk???

#98584 02/13/2010 01:44 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Geoff Ward:
Are Gendai blades junk???


COMPARED TO OLDER BLADES, THE QUALITY IS USUALLY LOWER. AS WITH ANY HAND MADE PIECE, QUALITY CAN VARY FROM PIECE TO PIECE. EACH BLADE MUST BE JUDGED ON IT'S OWN MERITS.
BOB


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