Unknown shin gunto katana arsenal mark
 

Hi Guys,

I have been unable to ID one of the arsenal marks in the fuchi of one of my shin gunto WWII katanas. It's the one on the right, an ovoid shape with a center X and two symbols resembling a C and an U on the sides, see pic..
Any ideas?

Thx

Manuel Luis

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...26/samu011.jpg

The mark on the left is the Tokyo Arsenal mark, later (post1933 ) Kokura Army
arsenal, Also used by the Koishikawa (Tokyo) makers. Can't id the mark on
the right.

Rich S

Hi Rich,

The one beside the Accountability number on the blade is also Tokyo's Koishikawa

Fuchi has three Arsenal seals: 1. Cannon-balls (Kokura and Koishikawa), 2. pre-1936 Koishikawa, and 3. Unknown . This makes it probably of 1934 or 35' vintage.

The clincher is the third one. If you find anything, kindly let me know.

Best regards, and Merry Xmas to you and yours.

Manuel

Got it!

Seems its the private contractor that actually made the sword:

IIJIMA TOKEN SEISAKUSHO

Best!

M

Where did you find that info?

Rich S

A japanese site, here's the data for further use:

Thanks, I haven't run into that site before. Copied the charts for further
reference.

Rich S