Scogg

I think that is precisely the source of the criticism toward you, Steve. Are you here for a love of swords??? Or are you here to solicit information from members, in an attempt to profit from more naive collectors down the road? It is not clear to me. If you continue to skirt those questions, I fear everyone will have you on "ignore" before too long, Just trying to help, Sincerely, -Sam

That makes a ton of sense. Thank you! I see on some of the other examples in the other thread, the leather rings are attached a certain distance apart. On yours, does the ring toward the kissaki slide independently up and down the saya? Or are they stitched in place?

In Dawson's Cyclopedia of military swords in the civilian guntos section, he talks about the leather covers. I just read the section last night (i'm at work right now, or i'd use a direct quote. anyone have the book handy?) Some swords were given leather covers over their preexisting older Saya. So if one of those saya was missing an ashi, sometime they would be added under the cover. Maybe this is a custom, or late war "quickie". Using leather ashi instead of the metal ones to save time/money Just a theory, ***Edit: to add the photo of leather ashi from Jim Dawsons book, page 170 -Sam

Imagine having a $4,000 sword in a $40,000 bag Gotta be a typo right?! Should be ¥5,900 I would think All the best, -Sam

Great idea. Or with the strap, add length, and a second button! Does the moisture in the leather cause issues being in contact with the blade? Assuming there's no shirasaya for longterm storage? Apologies for being off topic, Maybe a "leather seppa" thread could be interesting in the military sword section, Cheers, -Sam

Thank you @DTM72 and @Bruce Pennington ! That is something that I have not seen before; and now I'll have this reference if I see it in the future. I have a few swords with a leather cover, and similarly, none of them align so they snap together anymore. All the best, -Sam

If you got this sword for your own enjoyment, learning, and collection, I don’t think you did too bad. It looks in great polish, and I, personally, like the fittings. The WW2 connection is cool to me too… For my own curiosity, can you tell us where the leather clip strap is connected? Is it connected to a seppa or something? It looks like it disappears under the tsuba between the fuchi

Welcome Oliver, Your English is good! Your photos are really dark though. It might help to try again, in some better lighting. best of luck, cheers, -Sam

I like to collect all sorts of things. Mostly antiques, nerdy stuff, and hand-made items. I also enjoy printed media and militaria quite a bit. Here’s a map of 1942 Japan that I found at an antique store recently for $10. Probably printed long after the war, but still makes a nice display. It shows how long it takes for steamships and airplanes to travel. The reverse has a world map and ally/axis country populations. Hope the photos are clear enough. It was tough because the frame adds a glare and I struggled to eliminate my own shadow during my hasty photo shoot

Very cool. Now all of the sudden, I want a type95 with red lacquer Cheers, -Sam

I'd like to see the saya on that Naginata "gunto"... I am inclined to agree with Stephen. Cool piece nonetheless! Cheers, -Sam Edit: I see now in the original post, that it came with NO saya. Strengthening Stephens theory, IMO.

I cannot speak to the generation unfortunately. I must say, I really like that horimono… It’s gorgeous! Thank you for sharing! It looks like a really beautiful sword. Cheers, -Sam

These have all the hallmarks of modern made reproductions or fakes. These are the kinds of swords you can find at the shopping mall or on Amazon best of luck, -Sam

I know you already said you don’t like the gunto aesthetic. Which is totally understandable! BUT Just to throw this out there: There’s a lot of different gunto koshirae. Some are more handsome than others in my opinion; and they vary in quality to a degree. Sorry if this is presumptuous and something you’re already well aware of. The only reason I bring it up, is because IF there is a koshirae that you like, it would be more affordable to find a Gendaito with exsisting koshirae than making a new set. With some ww2 history to boot! Welcome to the forum! best of luck, -Sam (images taken from google)

The flower on the tsuka (handle), is cherry blossom *edit: I’m wrong, it’s a plum blossom. Thanks @Kiipu My apologies OP

Jasmine is my best guess... What makes identification challenging are the grassy parts behind the flower. Without those, I'd say definitely jasmine. Phlox was my first thought, then I considered some kind of lily. Best of luck, Cheers, -Sam

It is much like the hook design on my Type 98’s hanger chain Cheers, -Sam

Here's a helpful link on the different terminology surrounding mei. Typically a smith signs their name on the side of the sword that faces outward when worn - so depending on the type of sword (tachi vs katana), you might see signatures on different sides of the nakago http://www.ncjsc.org/gloss_mei-1.html *And there are always exceptions to the rule, especially when gimei is on the table. Best of luck, -Sam

The seppa look like they have their edges “cut off” so they don’t obscure the kozuka hitsu-ana, Or maybe another part of the tsuba. I have a sword with seppa like that Looks like there’s also a leather seppa, which was probably added recently to prevent rattling

Definitely a large kissaki! I’m not quite knowledgeable enough to tell if it might be a Nagamaki. A look at the whole sugata, without habiki, would help those who are. My guess would be that it’s just a strong o-kissaki on a katana or wakizashi Best of luck, -Sam

It looks like o-kissaki to me Hard to tell from your photo, does it turn back at all? Image from google for reference:

I think that's a big part of the issue here... What are we discussing? Gassan Minamoto Sadakazu? Nihonto? Japanese military swords? Arsenal Blades? Auctions? Dealers? Books? I'd still like to know what you're trying to collect, and why? (see my comment on page 2). Are you looking for ww2 swords, nihonto, both? Are you collecting for your own personal gratification, or are you treasure hunting and trying to buy and resell? I don't meant to sound rude, but answers to these questions might quell many of the judgements from the so called "babbling critics". Right now it just seems like you want some type of valuable Japanese sword for reasons unknown. Last attempt before I'm out , Sincerely, -Sam

@Swords it might be helpful to explain to us your collecting goals. Right now it just seems like you’re throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks Do you simply want an authentic Japanese sword as a conversation piece for your larger militaria collection? Is your goal to appreciate the art in Nihonto, and learn everything you can? Or are you treasure hunting trying to buy and resell? Other motivation/goal perhaps? All the best, Happy new year, -Sam

Wow, gorgeous blade and stunning koshirae. If anyone was thinking of a belated Christmas gift for me…

What raised my eyebrows on this particular sword was this feature in the shinogiji, that looks almost Unokubi Zukuri maybe? I usually see similar features on naginata or further up the blade Now I’m wondering if it’s a glare of the light