KB1107

The wakizashi…

Hello all, I finally made it out to Colorado Springs (Bruce’s neck of the woods). My bother-in-law set out the swords before they left on vacation. I believe 2 of the 3 swords are pre war and very old. The first one I will post appears to be war time (IMO). The nakago looks too clean to be old and the metal appears to be anti rust? 2 out of the 3 swords are signed. Not very easy to get photos of the wakizashi signature. This sword is the worst condition of the three. Hope the photos will be sufficient.

I don’t know if this is worth pursuing or not... as everyone here knows... the nakago will tell the story. Sounds like the seller won’t remove the tsuka. I assume the fittings and saya have value... but the question would be how much is it worth?

Sorry... 2of the same above. These are the only pics

Yes,,, he just wrote back and said he sent the wrong pics. You’re correct Brian it’s the gunto... here’s the pics of the Tachi... not great pics. Looks like a replica blade as stated above.

I think it will clean up nicely... surely not the best example. It has a used look....

Here’s pics of the blade... much better than what I saw in the initial photo. Seller told me he won’t remove the handle due to the age of the blade... I’m heading to see him shortly

The type 98 looks nice! Hahha

Thank you all... yes, the blade is JACKED! If it’s the original blade. Very good possibility the blade isn’t original since everything was removed from tsuka. I will definitely post more pics when I get them.

From the two pics of the blade... you won’t be impressed. Here’s the only pics in the ad of the blade

Hi Brian... thanks for the response. It was just listed yesterday... he’s about 30 minutes from me. Pardon my ignorance... but what is the giveaway that it’s a tachi? I thought that they were very elaborate?

Hello all, I saw this listing for sale this am locally... the seller has it listed as a WW2 Naval sword. The hardware doesn’t resemble a Japanese naval sword, maybe type 94? Or, due to the lack of markings on the fittings... Not Japanese? The sword has seen better days, but I’m curious as to what type sword it is.The tsuba is also a bit different. The seller has this sword and another (type 98) for sale (Which is in much better condition). The listing says both swords are bring backs by a family member from WW2. Sorry, I just saw the listing this am and I know everybody will ask about the tang. I already sent a message to the seller asking if removing the handle is a possibility to photograph the nakago. As I said, this katana is in very poor condition and blade looks badly scratched, suspension rings are missing, wrapping on tsuka missing, etc... The asking price on this piece is quite high at $500.00... the type 98 asking is $1200

Hi Brian, They’re not my swords and I don’t like to tell people to do something they’re not comfy in doing. I also don’t want to feel responsible if he gets a little too aggressive with removing the tsuka and something breaks. I explained to him it’s a simple process of removing a wooden dowel. I’m heading up to see them in August... maybe I can help him and post pics here if that happens. Believe me... I would like to know if there’s a signature and what time period they’re from as well. Thanks for the post, David

Hi Colin, I completely agree with your assessment of these swords and actually told Bruce the same thing... (that’s the reason I mentioned about the 2 suspension rings, I was thinking naval as well). All the saya’s appear to be in rough condition as you’ve said... all the blades look to be in prett good condition... limited staining. I advised him to refrain from touching with bare hands and to put a light coat of oil on them once in while. A very good possibility that they’re old blades... Thanks again for chiming in! David

Hi Jace, Thanks for the post... I don’t think he’s that interested about the swords to go to San Francisco (Not too far from him in Colorado). Collecting swords or WW2 items isn’t a hobby of his. He knows I collect WW1 & WW2 weapons and was just curious if I could tell him anything about these swords. I told him what I thought... and also wanted to know what this forum thought with the limited pics and info the he sent me. Thanks again, David

Thank you for the comments... the blades aren’t in my possession. My brother in law doesn’t want to take them apart to expose the tang. I was only questioning the the mounts and the saya’s. I’ve told him the same about the blades... use a light coat of oil and don’t touch with bare hands

Sorry, these are the only photos that I have... the tsuka’s have never been removed. These swords are exactly how they were when brought back to US from WW2

And the third...

Here’s second sword

Hello all, My brother in law sent me these few photos of swords he acquired when his father passed away several years ago. Apparently, he brought back all three swords while stationed in Japan during and after the war. I told him that I believe all three are civilian swords. The saya’s with suspension rings has me scratching my head though. Thoughts?

All done... cut & fitted both seppas, works well. I had to do some work on that locking pin that locks the sword in the scabbard (The locking piece wasn’t quiet long enough to latch to the saya). I’m convinced that the handle isn’t original to the sword. I believe the scabbard/ saya is original. Lastly, the paper actually worked... it’s nice and tight! I receive another orphan tomorrow that needs lots of work... For $300.00 I’m not complaining too much (WW2 Katana and saya). Thanks again for the help.. D

Hahaha nice!

I’m not familiar with that... I will google it. Thank you!

Thanks guys... I've experimented with the seppa’s... 2-3 is max... takes out a lot of the slop... but the problem is mostly in the tsuka & the Nakago. I might have to stuff something in the opening of the tsuka to take up the slack. I’d have to use too many seppas to get to the bigger hole in the Nakago..

Thanks for the reply John, Yes, the Nakago it’s definitely JACKED!... I’m with you... who knows when it was done. Other than the Nakago, I’m happy with the sword and shows well. I just don’t now how to make the handle fit tighter to the sword. I really don’t want to alter the Nakago to fit the handle tighter. I’d rather leave it as is and just get creative. i can take up some slack with the seppa(s)... I’ll think of something to make it work. Was just hoping somebody here could help. Thank you again for your reply, David