Hey gang! This is my second Japanese sword...first was the NCO version...I now have the officer's model and I'm quite happy with this one! Maybe a few of you will remember this one. By the sounds of it, it's been in a couple collections so far! Here are some pics for you!
Cheers!

Rob

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Here are the two of them side by side. Man...I love the look of these swords. There is just something about 'em!
Cheers!

Rob

You'll notice the handle on the officer's sword is about 2 inches longer than the NCO model!

Here's a shot of the tang markings:

more of the two swords together...

Last one! By the way...if anyone can offer up more info on the officer sword - or the forge markings, or about when/where it would have been made! I'd be grateful to hear about it!
Thanks guys!

Rob

The writing on the tang looks more like a chinese attempt of sorts, never have seen Japanese characters of this type. Also, the blade appears to waves in the forging it doesn't look flat? Maybe I am off on this one, Please show it to collectore in your area for first hand observation. Good luck. Max

Hey Max...thanks for your input. Maybe it's the pics that give you that impression. I'm not worried about this sword. Houston Coates first owned it, and so has Paul Vondrak.
Bill Brannow has seen it too (he ID's the forge: Kanetada) and I got this sword from Paul H. at Lakesidetrader.
I also had another collector mention that it appears to be machine made sword. His email this morning mentions that it looks like it is oil tempered. He agrees that the signature does appears a little shabby but he believes it's a late war made katana and a showa made sword 1925-1945. (Thanks Andy)

I'm not versed enough in these swords to go out on my own and try to find one! I agree that the Chinese knock-offs are out there - big time.
That is why I wanted a sword that was well known and had been in previous collections of well known and respected collectors.
I will take the handle off again and try to get better pics....

Cheers!
Rob

Hi again! I took the sword apart this morning to look for any more markings and to take more pics....Here you go folks...
Cheers!
Rob

Here's one of the tang markings.....

Hey Rob!!! Don't know much about these but it looks like a nice sword to me. Congrats!!!!!!!!!

Stéphane

Hey Steph! How are you buddy!? Glad you like it. You know it's good when it comes from Paul!
I'll make sure to bring it down next time we meet up for drinks!
Cheers!

Rob

Yes Paul is a great guy. I hope to see that sword sometime soon. Have you heard from Chris recently?

Stéphane

Sent you an email buddy!

Cheers!

Rob

ps....if anyone can offer any other info on the sword - feel free! I'd especially like to know what the wood scabbard is made of - what kind of wood.

quote:

Originally posted by lach470:
... You know it's good when it comes from Paul!
...

Did you get it from Paul the "Lakesidetrader"?
Since few months I'm looking for nice officer sword.

Hi Walter...Yes, it's him. I do most of my dealer purchases through him! He's first class!
He doesn't deal in Japanese swords that much though. He has them on occasion on his swords page - but he mostly deals with German blades.
Good luck! You might also want to consider Bill Brannow...he's very well versed in these swords! Keep the faith - I'm sure you'll find what you are looking for sooner or later!
Cheers!

Rob

Thank you Rob!
Will ask Paul for sure - He's a great guy!

Hey Rob!Nice leather combat cover!I would recommend you leave the snaps undone.Eventually they can tear the leather if they are snapped and unsnapped often.Not to be Nit-Picky Just wanted to make sure a great Guy gets due points,"Wild Bill"Rannow,WWW.artswords.com Is a hell of a nice guy and a great source for the "Real Deal".I am no means an expert but I am curious about the Kanji on the tang??

Hi Geoff! Excellent idea about the snaps! I never thought of that! I can't agree more about Bill Rannow either. He was actually one of the first that I contacted about this sword and he was very helpful in getting me some information about it. He'd seen it before. What makes you curious about the Kanji?
As far as information though - my abilities are limited. I'm no expert either!
That's why I got this particular sword - it's been in collections of some very knowledgeable collectors/members.
Cheers!
Rob

Hi Walter I considered buy sword from this Guy
http://www.bcx-iii.com/swords.htm
but he does not use paypal and it is trouble for me .I like S.251. but I dont want to give him my number credit card..Regards Ted

Can't comment on the swords he has for sale...I'm not knowlegeable enough....butI do know German belt buckles. I sure hope he knows his swords better than his belt buckles! Yikes...that section is FULL of reproductions!

Rob

It is not advertisment Im not expert in swords also .Ive got one bought from this forum but Im also looking good sword in reasonable price.Ted

No worries....I'm no pro with swords either...That is why I appreciate the feedback I've received here!
Cheers!

Rob

Ted,
Thanks for the link.
I think (just my ignorant opinion) the S.251 sword has the re-wrapped tsuka (grip) and re-painted saya (scabbard) - of course the vital part is the blade itself but it's difficult to say something from the photos.
I like more S.269

quote:

Originally posted by Walter:

...I think (just my ignorant opinion) the S.251 sword has the re-wrapped tsuka (grip) and re-painted saya (scabbard)...

Sorry Ted, I was wrong (still learning).
It's legit, but lower quality variant of late '44 Shin-Gunto.
Price is decent but these swords are really low quality.

Beautiful Japanese sword !

quote:

Originally posted by Pat:
Beautiful Japanese sword !

Pat - Are you not in Japan yet?
With all envy, Walter.

Hi Rob,
as you have probably already found-out the tang Kanji says:
"Tanaka Kanetada saku"
Kanetada is listed smith of Showa Era on OSHIGATA OF SHOWA ERA LIST

BTW - sorry for outbidding you for eBay sarute
After my "sniper" won the auction I checked the bidders list and saw you were trying to buy it - I should check it before since I never bid against fellow Forum members.