marksharky

I must say that this is one of the most thoughtful, and philosophical observations that I have seen in years, and reflects many of my own observations and beliefs when it comes to collecting. I have come to realize that there are basically two types of collectors. First, there are the collectors who are centered on the "item", it's value, rarity, variation, etc. Second, there are the historical collectors. The historical collectors are interested in the "story" or the history that is associated with the particular piece. I fall into the "Historical Collector" category. For me, a particular item has the greatest value when it has the documented "patina" of a real story that is attached to it. That historical value far outweighs any mere monetary value that the item might have on its own. For many collectors, the hobby is like collecting coins or stamps. They want to have one of each variation, maker, style, mint, etc. It is most important to know the specifics, the facts, and the category of an item. The actual history of that item, or "story patina", is secondary, or sometimes not important at all. As a historical collector, I look first at the item and the "story it is telling me", what part it played in a historical period or event, and lastly its specifics, the category it fits into, and finally, its actual monetary value. The "story" is the greatest value to me. We have all grown up hearing legends, epics, war stories, adventure stories, stories filled with drama, danger, heroes and villains.............. to hold something real, an actual, physical item, that was there and played a part in one of those stories, is an amazing and wonderful thing to experience. No one really wants to hear "the facts and nothing but the facts" when it comes to war stories. What thrills us and keeps us interested, is the drama, the mystery, and the adventure in the story. In other words, all the things that are not fact. If we reduced all of history to just the facts, it would be one of the dullest subjects ever. Which brings me back around to this sword of mine............ The question posed was, "So the choice really becomes would you prefer the ignorance is bliss route or pull the handle and see what you really have?". I guess for me, "knowing the facts" about the sword would not change its story or value for me one bit. It would be nice to know, and as a historian I am very curious, but the "little kid in me" doesn't really care. The "story patina" of that sword will stay the same, whether I know the original origin of the sword or not. What I do know is that this is a real sword, that came home with a real GI Vet, who came home from a terrible war, and it was given to a little boy. To that little boy, that sword was as magical as King Arthur's Excalibur. The sword inspired childhood adventures, imagination, and most certainly left impressions on a child who would grow to a man. That part of the swords story is priceless, and every bit as important as its "war story", maybe even more important. Whether the sword was born on the battlefield, or in a tourist market, the value is the same. It is the story that it is telling now that is the true value. I choose story over dollars every time! Will I pull the handle and satisfy my curiosity? I will if I can do it with negligible impact on the grip. I would love to know more about this swords past so I can add that chapter to the story I know now. Will I be disappointed if I find out it is not "a real samurai sword"? Absolutely not! Will it change my view of the sword if I discover that it "has great authentic value"? Absolutely not! This sword is a time traveler from a little boy's childhood and that is the story that I will tell, no matter what. Stay tuned!

I am wondering if this could possibly be a PETA produced sword from Japanese Occupied Indonesia. It definitely does not look to be of actual Japanese manufacture, but it definitely came from the WW2 Pacific Theater. I have noticed that the leather covering the scabbard appears to match several sword scabbards that have been identified as PETA made, although the actual PETA swords seem to look more "Japanese" in their design.

I have an interesting WW2 Japanese sword that I have been trying to identify. The sword is quite unique and well made, but I have never seen one like it.......... I have it posted over on my blog with the background story and photos if anyone wants to visit there: http://sharky-fourbees.blogspot.com/...ring-back.html Basically, I was given the sword by my godfather, who was a young child at the end of WW2. A returning vet gave him the sword and another kid a "Japanese pistol". He said they "played war" with those things for years. It was a miracle the sword survived! Anyway, he has had it tucked away for all these years and then passed it on to me for my collection. I have been told that it is possibly a Naval Sword, and possibly a late war, last ditch sword. It certainly doesn't fit the souvenir sword style, in my opinion. I can definitely vouch for the story about it coming back with a Vet in 1945. The "kid" who it was gifted to went on to become a US Naval Intelligence Officer and then became a CA State University Professor until he retired. No markings (stamped or otherwise), no file or machine marks, "sharp", no temper lines, 26" blade length grip to tip, 36" overall, back edge of blade is ridged, about 1/4" thick at base of blade, well finished and even, magnetic, blade tapers as it enters the wood handle. Wood handle is two sided and attached with two pegs. Not sure if the wrapping is original, but I was told it was. I am hoping someone here can help me figure this out, or at least head me in a new research direction. Oh yes, no markings or stampings that I can see, and I am very hesitant to tear apart the handle just to find out. It has family history value and I don't want to mess thinks up just to check. Thanks for any assistance!