kleber75

Hello there was a discussion around my nihonto blade which was finally dated to the 16th century or perhaps older. In the end this blade was misused as an army sword during WW2 when the demand for swords was larger than factory output. New holes had been drilled for a handle and the civil saya was fitted with hangers (I suppose). The question: Is there a chance to find a fitting handle or were the handles for these substitute swords one of a kind?

from machi to the grip end around 21 cm

This makes it difficult to find a suitable handle. I don't believe that such a blade fits a standard handle, as the distances between the holes often vary, and the blade handles also have different lengths and widths.

it is around 75cm from the tip to the middle peg hole. If helpful I also post the saya with which it came to me. To my opinion it could be one of these blades delivered to the Army in WW2 when there had been shortages of blade production which forced the army to ask civilians to support the government with blade donations of old blades stored at home (exceptions were made for important family blades of cultural importance)

I see- the name is not helpful. Can we date it according to the shape? Or would it better to start a new topic?

Hello, I got this blade together with a type 19 saber which was discussed here: My blade has some inscriptions but i only can read them partly because they are not clear. Interestingly the Japanese customs had no problems with the blade because it had no authentification. So it was no problem to send it on the way accross the ocean

Interestingly, my chain is only decorated on one side. We probably won't be able to sort out the ensemble anymore. I think I'll take the chain off, because the way it's attached, it'll just ruin the fabric of the tassel...

Yes, kyu guntos have a ball type corded knot. But these swords saw service until 1945 so I do not think that the owners took care about which Pommel they used. May be that the former owner took whatever was at hand, esqecially later in the war. Or it was added postwar. I got this sword directly from Japan...so, nobody can know. But due to the cover the saya is in a very good condition!

This is the question. The only thing I can say is that someone put a lot of effort into this star_border

Hello, I got this sword some time ago and I still have no idea what this chain was good for. It has a small carabiner hook. Any idea for what the golden chain around the guard was used?

Ok, thei I was right. Thank you!

Hello, I found this sword in an eastern Europe auction house- but I have some problems with the blossoms on the grip. They do not look as they should. Is it Japanese? Chinese or an Copy?

I could get it for few money- but is it possible to repair it or is it not worth spending time and money?

Hello, I am interested in Japanese pre WW2 militaria, especially Taisho and early Showa era. I have a question about the appearance, dating and wearing of Japanese sword belts: - When were which belts introduced and worn? - Were they worn under-buckled or over-buckled? - Were there different carrying aids for parade sabers, field sabers and shin guntos? I came to the question when I found this picture online. The Japanese army had a certain tendency to equip all equipment with a separate belt. I thought the belt shown was an early model worn over the jacket? Otherwise, why the elaborate design... but I guess I have the European uniform tradition in mind... Can you sort chronologically the belts in terms of appearance?

Late war 1995....hahaha... Thank you Bruce for your fast comment. I do not want to pay money for fakes. It will destroy any collection...

Good day, I mainly collect militaria from the Taisho and early Showa eras before 1930, but as it happens, word gets around and you get various offers. This one here, for example. A "last ditch" shin gunto. The problem for me: is it real? Because basically it's an insult to every sword maker. what can I pay for it? Description: Blade Shinogi Tsukuri(?), Maru Gitae, light Torii Zori, Kissaki damaged. Brass Habaki. Rough Shin-Gunto mount, smooth brass fuchi, rubbed kashira, tsuka with leather cover over wood. Wooden saya with an obitori and leather cover, total length 96 cm. Simple, Really late war production Can not be disassembled.