MattBrandon

@Bruce Pennington So I order a sartue, a nice looking one that should fit the sword. I also ordered the chuso which is supposed to be real. Cost me a pretty penny, so I hope it is real. I know you have replaced one before, so how did you get the chuso out of the fuchi? Mine doesn't sink deep enough to clear the fuchi to pass it's way out. This make me wonder if I can get this new one in as well. Any suggestions?

I’m not sure if this is a typical thread for this forum, as I’m new here, but everyone has been much more civil than the Gun Board I joined while trying to learn about my father’s M1941 Johnson rifle. What I hoped would be a discussion about history and identification turned into a major pissing contest. Thank you for providing such a great place to learn. I ordered what I hope is a close reproduction of my officer sword tassel and plan to store my original safely. I also ordered the retaining latch for the sheath, which was supposed to be original. I still need a sarute. There are a few reproductions I wouldn’t mind, but one seller is charging $20 for the item and $99 for shipping, which is a little hard to justify. Does anyone know a good source for an original or a good reproduction?

One obvious thing is that the tang has two mekugi-ana (peg holes), whereas many Gunto examples I've seen have only one. Is the presence of two mekugi-ana significant? Does it suggest the blade was originally made for civilian/family use before being fitted with military mounts? I'd be interested in hearing what conclusions, if any, experienced collectors would draw from a WWII-era blade having two mekugi-ana.

Again, thank you for your help with this. I would love to create a bio page on Mano Mitsuhiro and share what I've learned. I also have a few other questions. Is there a better place to post them, since this thread is focused on translations? Should I have this sword polished, or should I simply leave it as is? It has accumulated a few minor scratches over the years. They're light and mostly cosmetic, but being a bit OCD about these things, they tend to catch my eye. The sword is missing its sarute. If I remember correctly, the original one was fairly plain. Should I look for a replacement, or is it better to leave the sword as-is? The retaining latch has broken off. The remaining portion still has the matching assembly number, but I'm concerned that the blade could potentially slide out of the saya. I've found a replacement for sale for $75—possibly from someone on this forum. Would you recommend installing a replacement for safety, or leaving the original broken part in place? I'd appreciate any advice from those with more experience in restoration versus preservation. Thank you.

Thank you, that was also a "bring back" from my dad.

Thank you for the information.Can you tell me more about him? What does this tell me about this sword? I am amazed at the information and depth of knowledge on this board! Thanks Matt

Thanks for the help Sam.

Hello everyone, this is my first post here, and I appreciate being able to join the discussion. I’m looking for help identifying a WWII Japanese officer’s sword that my father brought back from the Pacific after the war. He served from 1943 to 1945 in the 1539th Ordnance and Supply unit and was in the Pacific from New Guinea to Okinawa. He said Japanese officers had to surrender their swords after the surrender, and I believe he may have been involved in collecting them. The sword appears to be an Army officer shin guntō with matching assembly numbers on several parts, including 135. The tang has no visible arsenal stamps on either side that I can see. The blade has a visible hamon, and the tang is signed. My current best reading of the mei is: 仙台住兼宗作 Sendai jū Kanemune saku “Made by Kanemune, resident of Sendai.” I would appreciate any help with: confirming or correcting the mei identifying the smith opinions on whether the blade is traditionally made or wartime production any comments on the mounts and matching numbers I’m posting a few photos first because of upload limits, and I can add more details if needed.