Clifford

Thanks for all the great information. I asked my mom and it was actually her father who brought home the sword after he returned from WW2. She was born in '44 and she remembers the sword being in the cellar from when she was about 5-6 years old and that the saya had always been painted black. I feel pretty comfortable that the black paint is not original to the sword but is period to the war. Apparently at some point (after moving to Texas) the sword was wrapped in a sheet and left in the garage. In the summer heat the paint melted and the sheet had to be "pulled" off or forcibly removed from the saya leading the bubbling texture. As the saya was painted black when the sword was obtained I think I will leave it in as is condition. Just a few more questions... I was wondering about storage. It has been hanging by the suspension ring in the garage. is it better to keep it hanging or lie it flat and obviously storing it somewhere with better humidity control than the garage will be done. Also for insurance purposes what is the value of these swords. I have a weapons (firearm) policy with state farm and would like to add this to that policy.

I received this sword when my father died. Not sure when they started making fakes but I remember it being around when I was a kid 30 yrs ago. I think is it a type 95 NCO sword, early 1940? I was wondering about the black paint (color) on the saya and am looking for general info and care instructions. I just started getting into Japanese kitchen knives and remembered I had this...moved it from my garage to the gun safe. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.