spidersrule123

That's really interesting. The sword does have one metal screw by the hand guard but is missing its second peg. There is a hole for one to go in on the handle. I will definitely get a mekugi to replace it with. Thanks for the advice and info!

So I measured the sword the way it was demonstrated in the link and it is 25 and 3/8 inches tip to end of brass. There are two peg holes but there is only one metal screw being used. Not sure if one went missing or this is how those mounts were meant to be used. Also, when I took the wrapped handle off I noticed three numbers that are shown in the picture. Does that mean the sword was part of a series or some kind of serial number? Thanks for all the help.

Hi Grey my name is Ian. Thanks for the sword etiquette material. I am looking into finding someone who can polish it for me at a reasonable price. I know it is a very delicate and time intensive process but I cant swing the $900 price tag I have been seeing at some places right now.

Hey thanks so much! That is really helpful information.

Hi all, I'm new to this forum but was hoping you guys could shed some light on a sword that was passed down to me by my grandfather who passed away. He served in WW2 and brought it back with him after the war. He left a note with it that says it was taken from a Japanese colonel who was later executed for war crimes at Sugamo Prison. I have been doing a lot of research myself and talked to some friends who know a bit more than I do and they seem to believe the blade is handmade and older but was remounted for use during the war. I also do not know where to begin to try and make out the signature. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!