PNSSHOGUN

Patina is a bit off but with a tassel it will look fine.

I have the name (Yamamoto Kiyoshi) but the small handwritten note and details on the back are beyond my powers. Could a kind soul assist with these?

These are usually numbers, type of mon, Tsuka Ito style, or owners surname.

Field grade knot for Kyu Gunto in the original wood box, condition is excellent with no signs of ever being on a sword. $220USD + postage

There is a huge amount of willful or malicious ignorance around axis militaria purely in the name of profit. Far easier to sell the romance that a sword or dagger was reputedly "taken after a showdown with Tojo himself on the summit of Mt Suribachi...." than it being picked out of big pile after the war was over during occupational duties.

The gift of daggers was a long established gesture in the navy and are still traditionally viewed as a talisman. Inami's comment on knife vs suicide knife makes a lot of sense in this context.

Turd collectors take note.....!

Given this bears the Suya Shoten stamp, the officers surname may be inscribed on the guard.

https://www.japaneseswordindex.com/koa.htm

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-26/australia-post-commercial-shipping-suspension-us-tariffs/105696336 https://auspost.com.au/sending/parcels-overseas/international-post-guide/results/united-states#usa-tariff Letters, documents of no commercial value and gifts valued under USD$100 are not impacted by the new tariff rules or temporary suspension

When one thinks of quality Aoe-Den, only #5 matches expectations.

Nice find Sam, there are a few swords with this peculiar Mon placement saved in the thread below. I had thought this was a quirk of a particular sword shop but the unique hanger on your example differs from my example.

Mr Dawson was a US Navy veteran, not airforce. The email I have been able to reach him on is the publisher email provided in his book. Additionally are you sure that site is run by Ohmura San? Thank you Conway for reassuring my doubts, very glad to hear Jim is still among the living and will no doubt get a laugh at his apparent death!

Once the sword is in hand it would be a good idea to take some clear pictures of the writing, with the known location of surrender you may have a chance of identifying the IJN officer this sword belonged to.

Brian, have you checked under the Fuchi for any writing? In regards to the Sarute position there is no particular rhyme or reason whether it sits Ha or Mune side, it was the officers preference.

The below variation with cherry blossoms and leaves is quite common to find on Kai Gunto, though all variations can be found. Silk cord is quite often seen.

A large number of documents & photos purpotedly owned by the Meiji-Taisho era smith Hayama Enshin were recently listed in Japan. Of considerable interest are the photos of test cutting by Enshin and what appears to be Nakayama Hakudo. The documents would no doubt prove rather enlightening to researchers, though the ambitious prices may halt such endeavors. Details on sword forging: https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d1196774017 Kiyomaro lineage: https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/1196757911 Test cutting: https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/v1196781936

Have seen a surname placed there before if that helps the matter Piers.

From the way the Mei is cut it could be a Keicho Shinto or Shinto Bizen smith, it's certainly far thicker than what is usually seen on typical Sue Bizen Mei.

Looks rather ambitious, usually the Saya liner markings are done in pencil and in a standard hand. The provided photos of Lt Gen Homma don't show a particularly larger sword, though he was supposedly quite tall. In my collection is an original photo of Lt General Homma showing him holding a sword of usual proportions:

Hi David, yes this is an authentic Shigetsugu Mei and I believe this was listed by a forum member @Grey Doffin

It's a traditional sword quickly adapted for military use via hanger and leather cover. Unfortunately by cleaning the blade and Nakago the owner has removed significant value from the sword.

Shinto Yokoyama Sukesada.

The top looks like the usual start of "備州長船 Bishu Osafune Ju xxx", the lower characters are difficult but may be "祐定 - Sukesada".

Having hands on experience early on is quite valuable, until you see real quality in hand it's all theoretical. Once you know what something of good quality is, saving for it becomes far easier.