Stockfball11

Hopefully I’m running out of questions to bother everyone with 😂 but my question is…is polishing worth it. Everywhere reputable seems to charge $100+/inch. Which is understandable for the amount of work going into it. But based on the pictures of posted and the length of the blade it’s looking at going to cost ~$3000. I have no intention to sell and Im certainly not in tune to sword pricing but I don’t imagine the one I have costs that much and spending more than the price of it to polish it seems crazy to me. Please advise 

5 hours ago, Stephen said:

Andy may I ask why you want to send it to Japan?

 

IMHO it would really serve no purpose,  for that price you could take it to a sword show that's going to have a shinsa. If you want to check it's mei, but if they fail it that would kinda taint it Imo

 

I'd have to check events forum to see which one Is having a shinsa. 

 

So happy to hear your respecting your Gpa Legacy. 

Please keep us in the loop these stories are what a few of us old timers going. 

 

Only reason is pure ignorance evidently. I hear people talk about having it sent there to get official paperwork for it. Did not know it was something even possible to do state side. I figured that was the one and only truly legit way to get it done. 

Brand new to this world of Japanese swords. I have just inherited one and am looking to complete this process if you could shed some light on what I have to do to begin/complete this process. 

I have reached out on here to the above mentioned Robert Hughes. If anyone else has information regarding a dealer to help with the import/nihonto origami process it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 

6 hours ago, SteveM said:

You get in touch with an agent in Japan who can handle the process. Someone like Robert Hughes (see below). 

 

He has to import the blade and get it legally registered in Japan. Then he has to reserve a spot in the next shinsa. Then, after shinsa, he has to collect the sword and get an export permit it so that he can send it back to you. If you have any detailed question, he can help you out. 

 

 

This has definitely given me the most clarity so far on how it works! Thank you!

5 hours ago, Winchester said:

Andrew, this sword is a stunner and the history documented on the holster; truly remarkable. Please continue to ask any and all questions you may have here. 

 

Ignore any offers or requests that you may receive online or in person, not that it is for sale, but if you are seeking info. online, there is always a chance that someone will try to make you an offer that may sound good, but nowhere near its' worth.

 

Thank you for sharing.

I have definitely received interested parties in my messages to try and buy it. I didn’t even respond. I have no interest in ever moving the sword out of my family. It’ll be with me til I have children of my own and pass it on to them! 
 

Only real question I’ve been having after trying to figure out myself and failing is how I go about actually completing the process of sending it for Nihonto Origami (forgive me if that’s not the correct terminology). I’ve been reading all about it but haven’t been able to actually figure out how to do it. 

3 hours ago, Ghoul414 said:

Just chipping in to say that that looks like a beautiful sword, in good condition, and what an awesome thing for your grandfather to have left for future generations!!

 

I'm also particularly amazed by the holster - funnily enough my own grandad also served in the African and Italian campaigns of WW2, but as part of the British 8th Army - but the only things I have are his medals, a wartime album, and a bucket load of unanswered questions.

 

 

 

Any ideas what you plan to do with the sword next? I noticed you had already made a thread about it in 2020:

 

 

Pretty awesome historic photos! And what a cool thing to see they were in the same campaigns and for all we know may have crossed paths! 

3 hours ago, Ghoul414 said:

Just chipping in to say that that looks like a beautiful sword, in good condition, and what an awesome thing for your grandfather to have left for future generations!!

 

I'm also particularly amazed by the holster - funnily enough my own grandad also served in the African and Italian campaigns of WW2, but as part of the British 8th Army - but the only things I have are his medals, a wartime album, and a bucket load of unanswered questions.

 

 

 

Any ideas what you plan to do with the sword next? I noticed you had already made a thread about it in 2020:

 

 

Plan on keeping it forever. It’ll never leave my family that’s for sure! Would love to send it to Japan to get looked at. Been trying to figure out how 

16 hours ago, PNSSHOGUN said:

That's very special, would any other family members know?

Since he’s my grandfather I’m not allowed to request his military file. I’m going to see if my dad can submit for it shortly. 

23 minutes ago, Ray Singer said:

https://www.Japanese...ndex.com/origami.htm

Incredible. Thank you! 

9 minutes ago, PNSSHOGUN said:

This is a good quality sword, the mounts are the better quality pre-WWII style. Did your grandfather serve in WWII? It's important to record any history behind it as these details can be lost to time very quickly.

He did indeed serve in WWII. He’s passed now so don’t have too many more details. All I have is a guess as to where he was/what campaigns he was in based on what he wrote on the back of his duty holster that I have. 

8 minutes ago, Ray Singer said:

 

Please also note not to do anything on your own to polish the blade or remove rust, especially on the tang (nakago) which should retain its current dark appearance. Also avoid touching the polished part of the blade with bare fingers, just keep the blade oiled to preserve the condition. This is a very nice piece and is worth submitting for papers at some point in the future. 

I would never think to try and do any kind of work to it myself and handle it very little and don’t touch the blade when I do. And can you shed more light on what you mean by papers? I would love to get formal paperwork on it. 

13 minutes ago, Bruce Pennington said:

The older blade is in WWII Type 98 Japanese officer fittings.  You can read about them here:

Army commissioned officers Shin-Guntō (Type 98 Guntō) 1938 (ohmura-study.net)

 

The silver, round piece on the end of the handle is a kamon, or family crest.  There are guys here who can give you an idea of the list of families known to use this crest.

After looking through that site, it most definitely appears to be the WWIII Type 98 fitting! Looks dang near identical! Definitely makes it more intriguing! Thank you so much 

8 minutes ago, Ray Singer said:

From what I can see:

 

Mei: Bishu Osafune Sukesada saku

Dated: Tenbun ni ju nen ju gatsu hi 

 

 

Awesome! Thank you! Received it from my grandfather and know nothing about swords at all. Going to try and find somewhere to take it to have it looked at in person as well I think. 

Looking to get any and all info about this sword that was given to me by my grandfather. Please let me know if any further photos are needed. I tried to be as thorough as possible and provide as much detail as possible. Thank you! 

It is indeed my first sword of any kind! Been passed down to me by my father who received it from his. Appreciate all the help thus far from everyone! Definitely want to try and find someone in my area (on the east coast)  to take an in person look at it and give me as much info as possible as well as a possible appraisal (just for curiosities sake)

Last photo I could take without being beyond obnoxious. Let me know if there’s anything else I could possibly take a photo of. Can’t wait to hear from y’all! Thanks so much