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What a shame, hope it shows up. Just another example of the decay our country is experiencing. There is an ongoing case where the USPS has lost a legally registered Uzi submachine gun. It was sent from Ohio to Florida via Registered Mail, supposedly the most secure method the USPS offers, insured for $20,000. Tracking showed it made it to Detroit, where it disappeared. The response and efforts of the USPS and the Bureau Of Alcohol, Tobacco, And Firearms which regulates machine guns, has been almost nonexistent. In fact the USPS denied the insurance claim three times before relenting and paying up. Pathetic. Steve

Livio Cillo died in 2024.

I believe Mr. Cillo has passed. I used to see him at Gun Shows here in the Northeast USA in the 1980s. His table was literally heaped with Japanese swords. Steve

Just saw this. Yes, this was the sword from Iwo Jima I saw. The seller wrote me a long letter saying the deceased Marine was his brother, and really did acquire the sword on Iwo Jima. He sent a photo of his brother cutting his wedding cake with the sword after the war. He thanked me for advising him to let the auction run, yes the sharks were circling with offers, but none approached the final selling price of around $15,000. He had no idea it was that valuable. I researched it at the time, and I believe Kuribayashi was the only General on Iwo Jima at the time. Steve

I was inspired to post this article (from the January 1980 Issue of The Bujin) by the "with a little help from my friends" thread in the translation forum. I agree with the Kanezumi translation. I have found this useful over the years. With grateful thanks to Lovret Sensei. I don't think he would mind my posting it.

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The Holy Grail of the Japanese militaria world, for me anyway. A Yasukuni Shrine sword, and a Baby Nambu pistol rig, with holster, two magazines serial numbered to the gun, cleaning rod, and cartridges. The Baby Nambu was a very expensive pistol for Japanese officers to buy, just as Yasukuni swords were, and are just as rare. Matching rigs are VERY rare. Took me a long time to attain these.

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A combat veteran in interesting mounts. I believe this sword was originally mounted in early Type 94 mounts. It is signed tachi mei, and the same on the tsuka is set up for tachi mounts. The 1936 date also points to Type 94 mounts as well. I believe the combat saya was added later, when the owner went to war. Looking at the wear on the ring on the saya, someone carried this sword a long way. The mon set on the menuki is a nice touch. I can't find any real info on the smith, the only reference I found was an oshigata in Fuller and Gregory's Guide to Showa swordsmiths. I bought this sword on ebay in its very early days, when it was still America's attic instead of the sleazy version of Amazon it has become. The sword came with the hanger, one of the small seppa was missing so I replaced it. I also had it polished.

The swords look reasonable, I'm sure they will go higher. There is some scarce and desirable headgear, priced within reason. Steve

A beautiful sword in outstanding condition. Thanks for posting it. Steve

Just a heads up, Morphy's has some nice swords and fittings in their May 10 auction. Begin at #3390. I have no idea of the accuracy of the descriptions, but they seem quite detailed.

I have a copy I bought back in the day. A lot of information and beautiful photographs packed into that little book. Steve

Wow. Seeing the diversity of opinions, I don’t feel so bad about being stumped. Now I have further avenues to research. Thanks to all. Steve