Swords with stamps on their nakago (tangs) were made using non-traditional methods or materials, possible exceptions being some gendaito which bear star (Jumei Tosho) stamps, although this too is debated. Some of the smiths making traditional swords during the war era are the Yasukuni Shrine smiths, those of the Gassan School, Chounsai Emura and Ichihara Nagamitsu among many others. There were swords made during this period that were made using traditional methods these are termed Gendaito or Kindaito. These are classified as either Showato, Muratato, Mantetsuto, Hantanzo or Yotetsuto depending on method of production. Some blades made during the war period were handmade but not by traditional methods. Many are machine made and therefore are of interest only as military relics, not as art swords. Many, perhaps most, of the blades found in shin-gunto mounts are NOT traditionally made swords. There is an enormous difference in quality of both blades and mounts of this period. JAPANESE MILITARY SWORDS - I JAPANESE MILITARY SWORDS I SHIN-GUNTO SWORDS Shin-gunto, army officers swords, are the most common style of sword mountings from the World War II era. From the research I have done, I think this is an 'Initial Type' NCO sword with alumium handle and brass guard. The number on the scabbard matches the number on the blade and I think it's a pretty low number too. They were issued to soldiers who did not want to. The blades on these swords are always numbered.
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