pats22shirley

Thank you guys for the input. I have bought a display case for the sword and will be keeping it in that. My mother inlaw was convinced that it was taken off of a soldier during the war. I'm happy it's aithentic and has some sentimental value.

Yes indeed. I will be taking good care of this. Thanks for all the good help!

One more question. If there was a smith who put his name on the blade does that mean that this blade was handmade? It was my understanding that these blades were mass produced and mostly factory made during the war. Evan

Thank you so much! I will do a bit more research then. I don't know of any reason the wrapping would have been tampered with, but who knows. I won't be altering the sword on my own at all. If i find the value of the sword is worth polishing I may have that done at some point. Evan

Thanks! Is it worth any kind of special preservation/restoration?

I can post more if needed. Thanks again in advance for any help. Evan

Good evening friends, My wife's grandfather was in the service during WWII and towards the end of the war spent some time in Japan where he met his wife to be. The details are foggy. Anyhow willed this sword to my wife and I was looking to get some help in finding out some of its details. By looking at the arsenal stamp I have concluded that it is a Showa era sword. Presumably mass produced. I have more photos I will try to post. Any help is much appreciated. Evan