Bull McCabe

Hi George, that is very helpful. I was not aware that 8 seppas were standard for a Type 98. Something new learned here wherefore my thanks. Where can I buy the right parts? What do you think about the catch mechanism? Should it catch in the wood or against the metal? Many thanks again.

I noticed that the seppas had “44” on them. Is this referencing the year?

Hi guys, Thank you for the comments and information so far. Very much appreciated. John, I will upload a photo of the tang. I am presuming it is a Showa smith. I found no other stamps on the tang. If you want any other images, happy to share.

I now finally understand the misery other posters have written about regarding photographing the hamon...

On another topic, I note some Type 98 koshirae for sale on the other forum. In practice, how do you ensure a good match if you decide to purchase a new tsuka or saya? very curious on this point.

Hi guys, It is through circumstance that I find myself here. Long been a collector of military history, with a decent and varied collection of WW2. I decided it would be a good idea to add some Pacific to my collection, specifically by a Type 95 arsenal sword, and am now down 4 tsubas, a 1943 Nambu 94, a "Good Luck" flag, a parade and cavalry sword, a Type 95 and 98....and then I found this site. In any case, it is still a new field to me, been a long time lurker here and enjoyed learning from all the various posts. I specifically enjoy the open mindedness, fairness and respect demonstrated on this forum. So I finally bite the bullet and try contribute, despite that I am an absolute beginner in what has proven to be very deep waters from my original desire to simply have a Type 95. I would like to post my Type 98, and generally ask opinions on it, and how best to preserve it. I have some issues, looseness around the seppas, a slight "lack of tightness" on the tang in the tsuka, you can feel it. Likely millimeters, but curious on opinions. Some thoughts - a rewrap is likely, but am curious about how it clips into the saya. It catches onto the metal guard rather than the wooden saya - this piece likely lost? Am I mistaken? There is also some movement on the sword in the saya, likely due to the lost of piece of saya pictured? The seppas and tsuba can also move very slightly if pressed upon. Many thanks for any insights that may help me understand this Type 98 better. Good weekend all. David

Hi Ron, I am new to this board, and have not posted much, but have been reading for quite some time to some gain basic knowledge on very complex material. I really enjoyed your story on the origins of the acquisition, rare to come across such examples of honesty. Wonderful job too on the restoration. David

Thank you Grev for the fast and friendly response. I missed T316 by a whisker David

Thank you SteveM for that additional information - appreciated!

Thanks guys for your answers. Apologies if its a big ask, but I am really stuck trying to decipher it. I got the date already, the input from SteveM is new - many thanks. I am wondering are they standard and that just the personal details of the awardee is different, or if the diplomas were highly personalised. Looking at the award date of 1906, it is likely this would be a Russo-Japanese award? Again, thanks for any and all input, even opinions. Best, David

Hi guys, Can anybody help me with a translation of this scroll from the Russo-Japanese War? Came with the medal several years ago but I never had it translated yet. Any input very welcome and appreciated! Many thanks! Dave

Last one - VAT would be paid upon delivery to the courier? Or you get an invoice from the douane? Cheers! Dave

Thank you Dirk! Dave

Thank you DirkO for the response! Appreciate it! How about the "wapenwet". Swords are legal but it is an "import" - I presume there would be no issues there? Any advice on that? The shipment would be from US. Also, on VAT, is that paid on the doorstep or you receive an invoice later? Do you have any recommendations on what the Gunto should be listed as for shipping eg "Japanese antique"? Many thanks!

Good afternoon all, I am new to this forum and look forward to learning from your expertise in this fascinating topic. I have a Gunto arranged that I would like to import to Belgium. They are legal here but it is unclear to me about the legality of importing rather than owning. As usual, the law is a jumbled mess that does not give clear answers. Has anyone here any advice on this? Also, will I be liable to VAT on a private person to person sale? Is that paid upon delivery? Many thanks! Dave