Jean, Geraint,
Thank you both so much for taking the time - and brilliant that you both concur! There are no other markings (that I can see) on the reverse of the blade, is it unusual not to have a date? Is there anywhere I might be able to look for more information about the swordsmith?
Thanks again, very much appreciated!
Doug
PS My grandfather didn't talk much about the war, but in his possessions was a scrap book that he kept which has a few photos and maps marked up with positions and showing where he went. Really fascinating. The story goes that he took the sword in surrender. The other family legend is that he was once sat under a tree and had his cigarette knocked out of his mouth by the lever of a Japanese grenade! He met my grandmother (who was a military nurse) on the ship back home to England after the war.
