JackyFisher

thanks all!

i would bet that as well, but I don't think its a Type 98 steel tube

Hello all, I got these inages from a local seller and not sure if the etched characters are sure sign of being a repro. I am not able to read it despite knowing some kanji. Thanks for your expertise!

Thanks Bruce! That clears a lot up. And the plan sounds better than my projected last resort "insert chopstick"!

After some googling I saw that Type 19 must have had various ways in which the blade connects with the guard. The most common is version A, which looks like mine, and seem to lack a metal seppa. Then there is B and C. My vague impression is that only the combat-worthy models have visible kabaki or seppa. I don't get how seppa works: must there be a cast depression in the guard for the seppa to sit in? otherwise I do not understand how seppa on the external side of the guard can restrict movement for long unless you weld it on

Thanks Dave. I agree this looks like it had a different blade earlier, which explains the large hole. It could even be a fake or assembled piece. I got it from auction. That being said, these type 19s tend to have shiny blades because they are meant to be cheap nickel-plated non-combat "blades". I can see the nickel paint-like layer wanting to fall off from the edge at some bruised spots.

Thanks Bruce! That was very helpful. As I read somewhere these Type 19s did not have the traditional habaki, do you think it had a seppa without habaki (or what I said was wrong)? Would you happen to know where I can buy replacements for this size of blade? Vertically (along the blade direction) the hilt is reasonably tight. The leather seppa is not very loose, but it can slide off with some friction.

Hi All I would like your expertise on how to ID and repair this type 19 parade sword. It has only 1 marking, a " 10 " stamped on the guard. The guard has too large a hole , so the blade wiggles a lot. Blade is thin 33 inch long. Thanks!