IJASWORDS

Thank you Chris for your knowledge of our history. Mitsuo Fuchida did in fact lead both devastating air raids. In fact a wave of 188 planes on Darwin. Our beautiful city of Sydney was also attacked by Japanese midget submarines, launched from a mother ship.

My 37 year old son actually visited the AWM on the weekend with his family. He was quite moved when he read the stories attached to some exhibits. Schools these days don't teach any thing about our war history, and how close Australia came to being invaded by the Japanese. For example he didn't know that more Aussies died in the bombing of Darwin, than died in the attack on Pearl Harbour.

WOW, great photos and a great story.

I like the tassel theory.

Hi Bruce, north, south, east, west orientations. I am sure that because the sword had/has a perfectly functioning securing latch, there would have been no need for a redundant leather strap. In fact there are no holes in the tsuba for a strap to pass through, and if therefor, you would expect the staple to be on the underside of tsuba if it was for a strap. Cant imagine TWO blade securing systems, would be a nightmare in battle. This is why it has got me puzzled.

I have noticed on some type 98 tsuba, a horse shoe or staple shaped appendage. (see photos). Can any one help me identify what its purpose is? This is on one of my latch swords, but I have noticed it on regular sword tsuba. Thanks in advance of a learned answer.

Interesting view points discussed. Does the term "art for arts sake" have relevance to blades, that also have a functional purpose? Obviously yes. A sword could be made from steel strip, knocked out in a press, and even heat treated. It would probably be quite functional, but art, no. As a metallurgist I would say that the first step in sword making, the TAMAHAGNE, is more an art than a science. Pictured for comparison, is a KOA ISSHIN MANTETSU, a YASKUNI, a GENDAI TO, and a STAR STAMPED GENDAI TO, all made in 1941 to 1943. They were all made for war use. Which ones if any are art swords? Surprisingly, the blade made by uniting two pieces of steel made in an electric furnace, is probably one of the more sought after. Go figure. My mother collected tea cups, hand made hand painted. You could functionally drink teas from them, but tell her they were not art, you were in for an argument.

Hi Erwin, the KAI GUNTO is a beautiful WW2 sword, and I don't think they get the recognition they deserve. One of the reasons is that a large number were made with stainless steel blades, and the nihonto purist shunned them. I happen to love all KAIs, and collect them (not in stainless steel). The Seppa range in finish from plain brass to highlighted gold plating. The rising sun Seppa is a beautiful thing to behold. Don't be put off yours, it is a good example to keep and study. Neil

Hi Erwin, nice KAI GUNTO. Hold off on the polish is my advice, and enjoy the originality of the sword. The fittings look good, and makes a nice package to study. I couldn't find out any more info on smith, if you find more please update us all. Congratulations. Neil.

Pictured are of my type 32 KO, 32.5 inch blade. It has two crossed out numbers on one side of the drag, and a matching number on the other side, 13047. Same font and size as blade numbers. Help in identifying hand guard markings would be helpful. Neil.

Great story, great sword, great result.

Is smith YOSICHIKA?

Like every market that is not regulated, supply and demand dictates the price. As the population of collectors increase, as does their purchasing power, you have competing demand for scarce items. On-line auctions are often like sitting at the casino table, the heart rules the head, and it is win at any cost. Shill bidding is immoral, but not illegal, until the auction facilitators take some action, the practice will continue. But if they get 10% commission, its in their interests to have inflated prices. Like turkeys voting for an early Thanks Giving... won't happen. My best buys have been off forum members, accurate descriptions, realistic prices and the sellers know that the pieces are going to a good appreciative home.

Bruce, you have out-GUNTO'D me! A nice/rare example.

Its a poor photo to decipher any thing from. Could be any thing.

Handles same length, must be the peculiarity of iPhone photography. Neil.

Thanks Steve, news to me. Live and learn! I will keep my eyes open for other examples. Neil.

Nice blade and ikubi kissaki. Lucky new owner. Neil.

Hey Bruce, when did this model have fullered (grooved) blades. Mine don't. Pictures attached. Neil.

Hi all, I would like confirmation that my MEI translation is YOSHICHIKA. Its on a 1944 type 3 GUNTO. Thanks in advance. Neil.

LOOKS PERFECT!!

Yep, as I look at it, wouldn't be too difficult to machine the curved taper as well on the non fitting straight taper. Neil.

Hi All, I am glad I got your attention! On removing screws from a couple of complete swords, I noticed two different shapes of screws. Although they are both the same length, and thread type. One has a rounded slotted head, the other a flat head. One has a curved taper, the other a straight taper. See photos for a comparison. I am after the round head, curved taper. Thanks for all your replies, (a few chuckles amongst them), Neil.

Thanks Shamsy, took your good advice, and put in a peg. It secures the blade, and works, but would still like a screw. As you can see from photo, the hole is counter sunk requiring a screw to look the part. Until one shows up, the peg will have to suffice. Neil.

Would any one have a type 3 screw any where in their box of spares that I could buy? This sword pictured is OK, but I have another were a peg is inserted in lieu of the screw. Any help would be gratefully received. Neil.