New Katana

Hello Every one
I have a very nice and interesting katana. Very nice temper line.
Per 1940 by the shape,
I would appreciate help to translate the signature of the smith,,
Thanks
Andy

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maybe Ujufusa

The signature is perhaps "Shinoda Ujifusa".
The "Uji" part is uncertain - it could be something else.

Based on the very limited view in those 2 pictures, I doubt that it is pre-1940. But I could be wrong...
How about a few more pix?

Pete

New Katana

Thanks Pete
You are probably right, It is the same shape blade as my 1942/43 made swords.
More pics today, Original polish and very different fitting.
Tanks
Andy

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Andy

Seki stamp

That little mark above the signature is a "Seki stamp".
It means that it was made with "shortcuts" during the war.

Pete

Seki stamp

I was lead to believe that when a swordsmith supplied a sword for military use it had to be inspected and approved and this was the approval stamp.
I am interested to know the real meaning of the Seki stamp
andy

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Andy

Seki and Showa

Yes, that's true, but it's not the whole story.
Stamped blades were made with "shortcuts" (to make them faster/easier), then sent into the military distribution process, where they were marked with the stamp, and made available to officers that needed them.
Traditionally-made blades (I believe) did not pass through the military approval process. These blades usually were already owned by the soldier (family heirloom), or were purchased from the smith by the soldier (new-made blade).
In almost all cases, stamped blades are a lower level of quality. The Japanese govt will not allow them to be imported into Japan, because they are "weapons", not "art".
The common stamps are Seki and Showa. There are a few other types, but they are rare.

Pete

Interesting information

Thank Pete
I can under stand what you are saying . I will take other look at my collection to see how
many swords I have with Seki or any stamps I have,
Thank you for the information.
Andy

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Andy