EdWolf

Beautiful collection! Thanks for sharing. Best regards, Ed

Neil, thank you for your reply and confirmation about the green color saya. I now have a small collection of military swords. Three type 98 all with old traditional blades and two kai-gunto swords. Best regards, Ed

Hi John, Thanks for your kind reply! I also think this is a nice well made blade as you would expect from a blade from this time-period. Best regards, Ed

Sorry but this is the best I can do. Best regards, Ed

The overall condition of the blade is not that bad. There are some scratches, no visible flaws so nothing that can be fixed with a new polish. The story behind this sword is that it was taken by a Dutch Colonel from a local at Sumatra during the “politionele acties” (sorry but I don’t know how to translate it). After the war there was a brutal conflict in the Dutch East Indies between Dutch soldiers and the local population. The previous owner bought it from the widow of the Colonel. Can’t verify the story but it’s plausible.

Only two picture where in focus and the light is terrible. Will try to make better ones.

Hi Jussi, Thank you very much for your opinion. I'm glad you and others confirmed my attempt to date the blade. It's a steep learning curve. I will try to take better pictures of the blade. Most of the pictures where out of focus. I'm not the best photographer :-) Best regards, Ed

Thank you Bruce! Good to see the screenshot with the different colors used. I must say I was a little bit worried about the color but the overall appearance of the blade and the fittings convinced me to buy it. I agree with you, this blade was before it was cut a very nice long blade. It’s a shame but it’s all part of history. Thanks John! You are right about the original mekugi ana. It’s just near the edge of the of the nakago and a small part of it is visible. The length and the tachi mei also pointed me to early Muromachi. Best regards, Ed

Thanks John and JP for your opinion! Highly appreciated. I find determining the period a difficult task. Especially when the blade is shortened. For me it’s hard to imagine the original shape of the blade. Best regards, Ed

Hi to all, I have recently acquired an old blade in military type 98 mountings. The blade is shortened and only a small part of the signature remains (Bishu Osafune). It’s cut off right next to the original mekugi ana. The nagasa is still 67.5 cm. The blade has a tachi mei so I think it’s an early Muromachi blade. I’m still a novice so please be gentle! The mountings are nice and the has a tsuba of the openwork type. The iron saya has a very strange and unusual green color. It has some age but it can be done post war. I’m not sure. Please let me know what you think. All opinions about the blade and the mountings are welcome. Best regards, Ed

Hi David, You bayonet is made by National Denki under Kokura supervision. You can find more info about the markings here: http://oldmilitarymarkings.com/japanese_markings.html Best regards, Ed

Outstanding collection. Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. Best regards, Ed

Hi Yurie, Keep up the good work! Beautiful sword! Best regards, Ed

Ian, I would love to see pictures of your Saya covered with egg shell. Is it possible to post pictures? Best regards, Ed

Beautiful example John!

And a few other ones. Really like this thread. Best regards, Ed

Here's a better picture of the mother of pearl.

I don't think it's lacquered same. It's very smooth and in some areas the motif is faded. I think it just paint. But the orange brown spots makes a really nice and subtle pattern.

Two examples of my own collection. Best regards, Ed

Beautiful collection! Best regards, Ed

A nice addition! Congratulations. Regards, Ed

Hi Uwe, I think you did a pretty good job! Thank you very much. Regards, Ed

Hi Arnold, thank you very much. I will start from there. Regards, Ed

Hello everybody, I need some help with translating the following mei. The date, if I’m correct is Taisho Ni Nen Roku Gatsu Hi. A day in June 1913. The signature is way too difficult for me. The only thing I know it ends with Saku. Thanks in advance. Best regards, Ed

Hi Yurie, Thanks for all the time and effort you put in your website. I really enjoy all your posts. Keep up the good work. Best regards, Ed