Scogg

I'd start with your fingers... and if that's not working maybe a pair of pliers; but with a rag/towel between the metal of the pliers and the metal of the screw (so you don't scuff/scratch/stamp the sides of the screw with the plier tread) Hope that makes sense, Best to go slow and be careful, Cheers, -Sam *Edit: If all else fails, there might be a fellow NMB member from Vermont who could help out in-person.

If it's spinning in place, then it might simply "pull-out" Don't go yanking on anything though. Try gently pulling on it, and see if it has any give. What does the other side of the screw look like? You might have to secure that side while you turn, like a nut and a bolt. Anyway, I'm sure i'm not speaking for myself here; but I'd love to see more photos of the whole sword! Best of luck, -Sam

It's hard to believe that people don't know better by now. Not just with swords, but with any amateur "restoration" of an antique. "Let me just add my own personal touch to this relic. I'll make it even better!" What a stupid idea... Sad to see, Cheers, -Sam

If it were worth it to be papered, it likely would be already. That's not to say you cannot try! Here's a link with some info about NBTHK shinsa submissions. (sharing a link I took from Stephen from a different thread) https://www.bushidoj...insa-submission.html I'd recommend being patient and taking your time though... As beginners, there's a lot to take in before we start sending swords all over the world. You will benefit greatly from study, before making any big decisions and spending too much $$$. The sword can wait while you study a bit. - just my two cents Best of luck, Cheers, -Sam

I’m familiar with these listings. I’ve purchased from the seller before. They have good prices and honest descriptions. I’ve also seen their images reused in fraudulent listings before. I’ll send you a message @ysake to confirm you’re at the right place. Looks like the second blade is no longer available, did you get it? *edit: confirmed legit seller Nakago pics from the sellers page: first four are blade #1, last three are blade #2

I am living vicariously, and jealously through all these photos! Looks like a really great event. I'll have to make more of an effort to attend next year. Best of luck everyone, and safe travels Cheers, -Sam

“The Connoisseur’s book of Japanese Swords”, by Kokan Nagayama - is a must have. Great for beginners like me, and for starter info on gokaden. Another good one for blade features, but it’s a little expensive, is “Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords A Collectors Guide” Jim Dawsons Cyclopedia of military swords is really great. But it’s more about fittings and military stuff, and not about blades. It can be easily overlooked, but if you explore this websites resources, links, and other pages you will find a literal treasure trove of free and available information. Definitely worth exploring the pull-down menus and PDFs if you haven’t already! Best of luck and welcome to the forum, Cheers, -Sam

That's all I needed to hear Steve Best of luck to you, And it's a nice looking sword! Cheers, -Sam

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