EryrWen

Thanks Bruce, that's the perfect sentiment - our family story says it was taken directly from a deceased Japanese soldier on a Burmese beach, the soldier had either been executed by his own sword or killed by an associate with it (Seppuku?); true or not I can't verify, but my grandfather was a straight talking man and we had no reason to doubt him. Thanks all for your input on this thread; the forum in general was extremely useful in research, I found multiple posts from 2011 etc.. to help any future clueless individuals like myself who may have a similar sword, here are my swords info: Signed on tang (mei): 吉道 (Yoshimichi) Real name of smith: 小島 幸七 (Kojima Kōshichi) Affiliation: Seki Tōken Tanrenjo (関刀剣鍛錬所), Gifu Prefecture, Minho Province Listed in the official 1939 Seki Arsenal Swordsmith Booklet Date on tang: 昭和十七年二月 (February 1942) – wartime manufacture Seki Arsenal Stamp (関): Present above signature, indicating official military production, non traditional and oil-tempered. Eryr.

Thanks Brian, Autosol polish applied using fingers or soft cloth was recommended? Hopefully this isn't too invasive, again excuse my naivety, it's had zero care since at least ~1950, just looking to get the red off!

Thanks all, it's changed it from just "that samurai sword" to something with a little more meaning. Given it's non-traditional, I'm going to tidy it up a bit; get rid of the active rust and miscoloured tape etc.. I'm not an idiot when it comes to rust removal so will take care, likewise not an expert so any " dont's " or tips with this type of blade would be appreciated. Eryr.

Noted, thanks Rawa

Thanks Alexi, yes agreed on the Seki symbol, I'll be interesting to read up on the maker this evening. Here are some better (?) photos.

Thanks for looking Chris, appreciate it! -I've learnt more about the sword in 3 hours than in the last 30 years of owning it! If anyone else has any info it'd be massively appreciated, happy to provide better photos, measurements of needed.

I have removed the hilt with a friend's help; photos attached. Blade measures 27 inches from tip to guard (tsuba?) blade side.

Hi all, this is a family owned sword handed down to me; my only information is that it's from Burma, WW2. Not an expert in any way (hence this post) my research suggests it's a Type 98 and the blue and brown tassel's suggest that it may have been an Officer's sword. Caveating, that I may be asked to remove the hilt, the brass/wood pin looks perished so wouldn't feel confident doing that sorry... If you guys could help with anything else that'd be appreciated - value would be useful though currently have no intention on selling. Many thanks in advance.