robinalexander

Hi Marinus, Welcome to NMB. As John said, that is a nice Kai Gunto (Imperial Japanese Navy). A couple of observations and comments ....... Looks like an early (late 1930's) Kai that has the heavier superior fittings in brass and the nice polished dai- seppa rising sun. The sarute may have been removed/replaced at some stage as it should rest on the blade side of the Kabutogane. Its fitted with a Chuso (locking) pin which is not rare but, there are certainly not as many around as the more common Kai Gunto's which 'lock' only by the pressure fit between habaki and saya throat (no locking pin or button). Be careful of that as they can snap if treated roughly. It has a polished black shark skin saya cover (samagawa) My guess is that the gold chain is not original and a latter non-functional addition. To get more info you really need to remove the tsuka buy unscrewing the brass screw (use correct screw driver size to avoid burring) and then easy the tsuka off the nakago. there are instructions/guidance somewhere and if someone doesn't chime in on that, I will try and find something for you later tonight. But go gently, if not confident or difficult to remove seek further advice. If there are any details of the swordsmith/date etc they will be on the nakago. For a bit of Japanese Sword terminology, go to Home page on this site.....Nihonto Info ....(then) Glossary. The are many others available on the net. A link in regard to sword handling and care (courtesy NMB member Grey Doffin) https://nbthk-ab2.or...ord-characteristics/ Finally, although the blade looks to have a fair bit of oxidization, I really like the entire package. Congratulations and take care of it Rob

Tks for better pics Chris. On balance, I say they are genuine. All the best Markus.

Two questions for other 95 collectors before throwing my hat in the ring...... 1. Is the number 812 on the saya throat, upside down or is it that I just haven't seen any coppers with this orientation? (1353 looks ok) 2. Why do you think it is that the later numbered sword (1353) has an 'age appropriate' saya and tsuba finish but a pristine tsuka finish? They don't seem to match unless tsuka has been cleaned.

Chris, I like your observations.....is it possible the long sarute could be added or variation and the seppa damaged? That said, I definitely agree with you re the inverted nanako...your eyes are probably better than mine but I have never seen that on a genuine 95. This point alone would be a deal breaker for me. And the numbers don't sit well with me either but there are some weird variations. If it's a fake, then they are getting good.

Ok I have it on good authority that these are junk ..... I would rather send my money to charity where it might do some good.

I don't know but the last time I saw a nakago like that it was on a horse shoe. Might just be the angle.

Noah, some good advice above. Cutting the string binding would not be an option I would consider.

For reference

Steven, In context, I said that if the saya is wooden "it may mean" that parts are stuck on. My reasoning for this possibility is that a wooden saya with a non-military kuchigane and fitted with a leather combat saya would typically be bare timber with no other fittings. (I'm leaving wooden/ishimi saya's out of this). But again, if the pics were better, I'm sure you would receive better comment.... for instance, many of us just missed two wopping cable ties in the first pic.

Hi Steve, With respect, if you are seeking meaningful and accurate comments, then you really need to provide clear pictures. No problem with the quantity, but the quality is just not good. From what I see, I love the hamon but I am a sucker for artistic expression. Blade aside, is the saya metal or wood? .....weird colour....it looks wooden but pls correct me if I'm wrong. If its wooden, it may mean the ashi, semegane and ishizuki have been 'stuck on'. Whether metal or wood, it most likely had a leather combat cover...accordingly, snug habaki fit with holed tsuba for leather retention clip and no locking pin. Fuchi appears to be normal design (albeit non-military) for a leather clip retained saya. When fitted with a combat cover the ashi grips the wood or metal saya (under the leather). Therefore, whether the saya is wood or metal, the apparent ill fitting ashi looks more like a 'post' add on. Wood does shrink, but not that much.

FOOTNOTE The auction house will be referring to their specialist for review on Monday. So hopefully it will be pulled or severely re-descibed.

Oh dear ....current auction......

Ohh Chris, I'm soooo cheap.

Ok... now that others have (more courage now ), I will also throw my hat in the ring.... IMO...for a beginner it wouldn't be unusual to pay US $1300 for the Lot.

Hi Martin, welcome. Hmmmmm.... posted 23 hrs ago and no one has chimed in. That's unusual. There are many (most in fact) more learned than me but I will let you know what 'I' see. I can assure you I will be corrected as is necessary. On this occassion and as you own the sword, I will use the correct terminology (without corresponding English explanation) ...this way, it may encourage you to look up the Glossary on this NMB site or just google the translation. Not wishing to be smart or nasty Firstly, no apology necessary for being a beginner and you can never have too many pictures, thanks, they are all relevant and helpful. NCO's didn't carry Type 94's (earlier) or Type 98's ... they were purchased/provided by officers only. Generally, NCO's were issued Type 95's. I think the blade is genuine albeit in slightly rough condition the shinogi looks a little 'bent' to me and if that's correct it could mean a previous poor polish. The saya may have had a leather combat cover over it but I tend to think it's a later replacement. Does the habaki fit snuggly into the throat of the saya or is it a little loose? Either way originally, the sword would have been held in the saya by way of a leather press stud/clip that went through the hole in the tsuba, to clip onto the leather combat cover. The fuchi (not military) looks typical of the type that you find on late war blades/mounts, so that is ok. Confused about leather seppa under the tsuba....doesn't look 'period' to me and a little larger than is necessary or, in my view, desirable. But if everything is tight, then its done its job. Ito binding, associated wear and kabutogane look authentic. Now you really need to remove the tsuka in order to expose the tang if you want to know more about the sword. The mekugi peg is disposable and if it's that fragile, then the sooner it's replaced the better. It's the ONLY thing holding the blade in the tsuka. Please post pics when/if you do. Mekugi pegs are so easy to make and dress up (age). Get some oil on that rust on the blade. There's only 1/2 dozen words or so to look up and just ask if anything is not clear. Rob PS...have a look here.... Military Swords of Imperial Japan (Guntō) (ohmura-study.net) Here is his page on swords with leather covered saya: 九八式軍刀略式外装 Informality mounting (ohmura-study.net)

Thankyou Koichi-san... I appreciate your enlightenment.

General question .... I imagine as an Aviation Troop Leader this person would be an officer. Now this person looks like a female (could be wrong though) ... I didn't know the Japanese had female officer pilots in during the war, but then again, until now I've never had any reason to ask. Rob

They were real.... here is indisputable proof.

Tks Phil, that's the second time today I have suffered a basic comprehension glitche.

I agree with David ...not chromed. I really think someone has done a mechanical cleaning/ massive buffing job on it. Look at the habaki. Saya looks a funny shade? PS...if you want to 'age' it quickly Phil, send it over to me and I will leave it with a couple of my children....it will be 80 years within weeks

Another Kai with IJA Company Grade tassel. Apologies if I have posted this in the past. I noticed the inconsistency on the Australian War Memorial website during Covid. I contacted them and they were very accepting...they checked their original records and advised they would add the wording now shown at the end of the first paragraph...good result, but still makes you wonder if the NLF changed tassels during shore duty.

Hi Nick, but seriously ...the original 'saya insert build thread' is shown below FYI. Couple of extra bragging pics below of Bruce's start/finished saya insert. Bruce was only missing one which meant the new one had to be matched. The 'tool' shown helps a lot. Can be made from bradawl or in this case, a thin cooking skewer bent just at the tip. Now the thing is I've only done 95's and they take ages, I have to be in the mood and I have to keep reminding myself when to stop for the day (bit like painting a picture). You don't need the original blade or saya for 95's because there all pretty compatible but with all others 94/97/98, civilian, the whole kit a caboodle would be needed to ensure a match. Funny, but I think a shirasaya would be much easier than trying to match inserts. Have done a couple for a sword mate over here and i enjoyed it (especially when done) but to be honest I couldn't charge for them because the cost would probably outweigh the benefit, mainly due the length of time it takes me, the procrastination and at times, frustration. Bit like building a scale wooden model sailing ship...... never reflects time put in. Plus I really dont want to make it a business. But I'm more than happy to talk with anyone about process, tips and materials and can send pics of stages. Rob

Maybe the blade was exceptional. The following is an extract from an article 'Forward with Roosevelt' [I Have Returned - General MacArthur and FDR] held by The National Archives, Franklin D Roosevelt, Presidential Library and Museum. The White House had asked the General to change his declaration from “I Shall Return” to “We Shall Return” but the General refused. The animus between FDR and Gen. MacArthur goes back many years. As early as 1932, when he was still Governor of New York FDR told a close advisor that he thought Douglas MacArthur was one of the two “most dangerous men in America.”

FY Interest, brown tassel on civilian (late war) sword .....more pics on Ebay Australia at moment. 1930s IJA Japanese Officers Army sword with tiger pommel & brown tassel knot | eBay Description includes "Overall sword measures 95cm (not including scabbard) and has a Japanese officers, brown Showa 9 shin-gunto late war Type 94 tassel sword knot for all officers ranks. Checkout my other militaria as i do combine shipping."